I was rewriting my bio recently and in doing research about what it should contain, I ran across some questions that I was supposed to ask myself to guide my writing. One of the questions asked, “What one event in your childhood had the greatest effect on your life?” My response to the question was a no-brainer. I repeated the fourth grade and the first three months of that school year taught me that I could be excellent.

I was one of those kids with a late birthday. My mother was a teacher and early on, right after kindergarten, as a matter of fact, she recognized that although I was reading first grade books, I lacked the maturity of my classmates. She attempted to keep me in kindergarten for another year, but received a firm refusal from school officials.

We moved after fourth grade, and I had to attend a new school. My mom explained that she felt I was too young, and made the “hold back” into a positive move in my eyes. So really, I never thought much of it, except that it was going to be good. I am indebted to her for that. There was no shame in the deal.

Because I had already studied much of the information, I was instantly one of the “smart” kids and experienced what being an excellent student felt like. My behavior changed radically because I was on the same maturity level as my classmates. I then assumed a new role. I enjoyed school and worked very hard from then on out. I went from being a “C” student to an “A” student and never looked back.

Knowing that feeling of excellence was a massive factor in developing the man I am today. I always expect that somehow, some way, if I’m willing to do whatever it takes, I will arrive close to the top of the heap in anything I try.

What I find interesting about this skill that developed in me is that it took evidence that excellence was possible for me to learn it. I have reinforced this belief throughout my life by bulling my way through things that were hard and have had positive results. These actions supported my conclusion that I can be excellent. I just have to remind myself from time to time.

If you find yourself reading this and saying to yourself that you still don’t have this belief or skill, the good news is that you can learn it. There are books and books and books on this topic, and if you want it badly enough, the information is out there. I have read at least ten books on the topic of excellence in my lifetime. I like what Anthony Robbins writes as well as Stephen Covey.

Think excellence, prove excellence, be excellence. Do whatever it takes. If you get this one right, the world is your oyster.