I want to give myself the best chance possible and set really

"I want to give myself the best chance possible and set really high standards in everything I do." These words from James Ward-Prowse reflect a commitment to personal excellence and the pursuit of greatness. In setting high standards, Ward-Prowse speaks to a mindset that does not settle for mediocrity but strives for perfection, understanding that the highest achievements come not through compromise but through unyielding dedication and self-discipline. This is a philosophy deeply rooted in the ancient teachings of virtue, hard work, and the belief that true success requires not only talent but also immense effort and the ability to push beyond one's limits.

In the ancient world, the idea of striving for excellence was central to the teachings of the great philosophers. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, wrote that the good life is one lived in pursuit of virtue—a life marked by the development of character, discipline, and the pursuit of the highest potential. Aristotle believed that it was through habit and practice that one could cultivate the virtues necessary for success and fulfillment. Just as Ward-Prowse sets high standards for himself, Aristotle argued that setting such standards is the first step toward becoming the best version of oneself. It is through the cultivation of these habits of excellence that we elevate ourselves, shaping our character and creating a life of purpose and integrity.

The idea of setting high standards is echoed in the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, who believed that self-discipline and personal responsibility are the cornerstones of a life well-lived. In his Discourses, Epictetus wrote about the importance of maintaining control over one's actions, attitudes, and responses, regardless of external circumstances. For him, a person who sets their sights on excellence and does not compromise on their moral and ethical standards is one who achieves true freedom. Like Ward-Prowse, Epictetus emphasized that success comes not from external circumstances or talent alone, but from the inner strength to meet one’s highest standards with perseverance and integrity.

Consider the great warriors of ancient times, such as Alexander the Great, whose pursuit of conquest and glory was fueled by an unyielding commitment to excellence. Alexander set impossibly high standards for himself and his soldiers, pushing them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. His ability to inspire his men to rise to these challenges was rooted in his own dedication to excellence and his belief that no goal was too lofty. Alexander’s life is a testament to the power of high standards—it was not merely his military genius that set him apart, but his relentless pursuit of perfection in all that he did, no matter the cost. Ward-Prowse’s words echo this same determination—the drive to push oneself toward the highest goals and to set a standard that demands personal growth and greatness.

In modern history, Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, provides another example of the power of setting high standards. Jordan’s work ethic was legendary; he was known for demanding the highest level of performance not only from his teammates but also from himself. His success did not come from sheer talent alone, but from his relentless pursuit of excellence. Jordan’s willingness to continually raise the bar for his own performance, even in the face of failure, is a reflection of the mindset that Ward-Prowse embraces. Like Jordan, the pursuit of greatness requires self-awareness, the ability to acknowledge where we can improve, and the courage to strive for something greater.

The lesson in Ward-Prowse’s quote is clear: to achieve greatness, we must first set high standards for ourselves. These standards should not be based on what is easy or achievable in the moment but on what will challenge us to grow, to improve, and to reach our full potential. True success comes from the continual push toward being better—from demanding more of ourselves than we think we are capable of. Whether in sports, business, or personal life, the key to excellence is not just in the talent we possess, but in the discipline we bring to our actions and the standards we hold ourselves to.

In practical terms, this means that we must set clear, lofty goals and pursue them with unwavering commitment. We must be willing to face the challenges and setbacks that come with such a pursuit, knowing that the path to greatness is never without obstacles. Just as Ward-Prowse sets high standards in his career, we too must set goals that challenge us, that push us beyond our comfort zones, and that require dedication and hard work. Each day becomes an opportunity to live up to these standards, and in doing so, we move closer to achieving the life we aspire to—a life of purpose, excellence, and legacy.

Thus, let us take Ward-Prowse’s words to heart. Like Aristotle, Epictetus, Alexander, and Michael Jordan, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence. Let us set high standards for ourselves and rise to meet them with determination, knowing that in doing so, we shape not only our success, but our character, and ultimately, our legacy. The pursuit of excellence is a lifelong endeavor, but it is in that pursuit that we find the meaning and fulfillment that makes life truly worth living.