The necessary annoyance of insisting on excellence

Have you ever complained about something poorly done and the response was something like “it’s not that bad, it works”? Or maybe you were making a case for why something needed to be done in a certain way and you get the “I too know” label—a nickname intended to mock people for doing too much as if they are better than others.

First, you are probably better than them, to be honest—at least at caring more. And that counts for something.

That said, the world needs you to continue to insist on excellence, especially our side of it where mediocrity has become popular and without apparent consequences.

As long as your drive is not your ego but simply a desire to see things done well, it matters that you continue to be an example. And a voice.

First, they will mock you.
Then, they will tolerate you.
Then, they will respect you.

And maybe—just maybe—you’ll inspire someone who always wanted to be excellent, but never had an example.