19
The path from third-rate to first-rate is not dramatic.
In fact, it is so steady that it may seem boring.
However—
Only those who can endure that boredom can see the first-rate view.
Conrad Hilton said,
"First-rate isn't a flashy moment."
"It's quiet repetition."
Throw away excuses completely.
Third-rate people talk about conditions.
I was busy.
I didn't have time.
No one told me.
Second-rate people talk about effort.
I worked hard.
I did my best.
First-rate people talk only about results and improvement.
Hilton said,
"Excuses are the last line of defense for your standards."
The moment you stop making excuses,
growth begins.
Turn criticism into nourishment.
Rush was often misunderstood and criticized.
But he didn't run away.
"If there's even 10% truth in the criticism,
take that 10%."
Third-rate people get angry at criticism.
Second-rate people fall.
First-rate people analyze.
The ability to go beyond emotion,
and pick out only the facts.
This determines the speed of your growth.
Don't be afraid of loneliness.
When you start aiming to be first-rate,
your standards will begin to diverge from those around you.
Why go that far?
You might be told you don't have to go that far.
Hilton said this:
"Those who raise their standards are initially lonely."
But that loneliness
later turns into respect.
Most people know this deep down:
Those who are serious about what they do.
Improve your character rather than success.
Rush finally says:
"Success is a by-product of character."
If you rush into the pursuit of success,
you'll want to lower your standards.
But if you continue to hone your character,
trust will build up.
Trust takes time.
But once built,
it's not easily shattered.
Here's the most important thing.
The difference between third-rate and first-rate is actually very small.
It's just a matter of being just a little bit more careful, quicker, more accurate, and more honest every day.
That's all there is to it.
Conrad Hilton would ultimately say:
"The moment you start treating yourself as first-rate,
the world will start treating you that way too."
Paul Rasch continues quietly:
"And the first step is taking action today,
even when no one else is watching."
First-rate is not a faraway place.
First-rate is
in the choices you make right now.
