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The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.
William Arthur Ward
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Achieving excellence requires discipline, while a lack of effort leads to disappointment.

This quote by William Arthur Ward highlights the importance of discipline as a crucial component in the pursuit of excellence. It suggests that while striving for the highest standards demands commitment and hard work, falling into mediocrity results in unmet potential and ultimately leads to feelings of disappointment. The choice lies between the rigorous journey towards excellence or the passive acceptance of mediocrity, which comes at a cost.

Themes

ExcellenceDisciplineMediocritySuccessDisappointment

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about personal growth and achievement.

More from William Arthur Ward

Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
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Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
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A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
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Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
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Do more than be fair: be kind.
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