We are poor in character when we think getting by is a substitute for doing our best.
It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us.
You can't take everything that is offered to you. I pass on a lot of stuff, because I truly believe that I will shine better if I could do it 200 percent rather than do it 80 percent and make it so-so.
Only undertake what you can do in an excellent fashion. There are no prizes for average performance.
Good is often the enemy of best.
When I do something, I don't want to be second best. That's the right way.
It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.
Go for the gold: better one great column and some undistinguished ones than constant mediocrity.
Celebrate exceptional productivity, rather than raise average efforts.
