I have been using the phrase "It's another day in which to excel" for several years now.  I use it in many situations- to motivate myself, to motivate my children, to motivate my friends and co-workers. To be fair, I didn't coin this phrase and I'm not quite sure who did.  However, I learned it from an old Navy pal of my dads. And as I like to say about habits- borrow the good ones!

I always admired my dad's Navy pal, Mr. Varney.  He had a positive outlook on life, was successful in many ways- in the military, with his family and in his church and community.  I can't help but think a lot had to do with his motto.  I like to emulate the good I see in others and hope to teach my children the same, so they too will also be successful in all facets of their life.  So, I borrowed this phrase - and attitude - from him and haven't looked back.

It's another day in which to excel can mean many things to many people. To me, it assumes excellence in just a few words. It’s optimistic, bold and challenging- all at the same time.  While each day and each task isn't going to result in perfection, and many won't, we owe it to ourselves to be these things: bold, optimistic, challenging.  I started using the phrase daily when I would wake the kids and help them get ready for school.  When you wake up with the perspective that each day is a new day and you can make it what you wish, that is an empowering feeling. 

I know that I risk monotony in verbalizing this phrase so often, however, I believe that when the going gets tough, Brennan, Katie, Ryan, Jill and I will lean back on it and find inspiration.  We have been sharing this motto with our Fammelly for 7 years now and we hope it will do the same for you. So, in the spirit of passing it on...go ahead borrow the habit.  Your family and friends will be glad you did!