I continue to learn, through music, that those two words excellence and success hold very different meanings. Pursue a commitment to personal excellence rather than success. Being successful does not necessarily mean you will be excellent, and being excellent does not necessarily guarantee success. Success is achieving goals which elevate ones importance in society. Excellence is the pursuit of quality in ones work, whether or not society recognizes it.
Success seeks status, power, prestige, wealth and privilege.
Excellence is internal seeking satisfaction only in having done your best. Success is external how you have done in comparison to others. Excellence is how you have done in relation to your own potential. Success grants its rewards to a few, but it is the dream of multitudes. Excellence is available to all, but sadly is sought by only a few.