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The LDS church (to which I belong) is a lay church. We aren't paid to serve, but most of us volunteer in some capacity or another.
A number of years ago, Debora, a young newlywed who attended my congregation, modeled something few seem to understand…particularly in our culture of entitlement. She was asked to serve as a Primary teacher. A rather insignificant position that consisted of teaching a little lesson to elementary-aged children and keeping them quiet while others taught lessons and songs.
Rather than blow it off as drudgery, she dove right in. She prepared excellent lessons that were geared to the needs and understanding of her class. She planned special activities that not only taught the children good principles, but let them know she cared about them. (My daughter who was in her class still talks about the home movie the class made over a decade ago.)
Later, she was asked to serve as the Achievement Day Leader. Another behind-the-scenes volunteer assigngment planning and administering hour-long mid-week activities for girls between eight and eleven years old. Again, she went above and beyond the call of duty. Each girl had a special, themed book to chronicle each week's event. And each event was memorable and fun.
After we moved away, I heard she had been made president of the children's organization. Do you think this surprised me? Of course not. No matter what she did or where she did it, she was a model of excellence. It wasn't public, look-how-awesome-I-am excellence. It was I-want-to-give-my-best-in-any-capacity excellence.
Excellence: the process of continually growing and improving your life.
Now church is a volunteer venue. But this kind of behavior applies to every area of life. I know a man who started as a volunteer, sweeping floors in a metal arts foundry—when he was a cub scout—and now he owns the place. I know a man who started out at a big box store managing a department who is now a regional manager over several stores.
The world holds example after example of people who started out in inconsequential positions who moved far up the ranks, simply by showing a dedication to excellence and willingness to work.
Those who have legitimately reached the summits have worked harder and longer. They've studied and planned more assiduously. They've practiced much more self denial. And they have overcome far more difficulties than those who have not risen as far.
The path to greatness lies in a dedication to excellence.
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Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.