Excellence is arguments in conference rooms. Excellence is missed deadlines because it’s not right and you have to do it over. Excellence is long nights when you’d rather be doing something else. Excellence is missed time with family. Excellence is vacations you never took but were dying to. Excellence is sitting and thinking because you’re stuck on a problem. Excellence is energy drinks and hot pockets at midnight. Excellence is not enough sleep. Excellence is waking up in the middle of the night with an idea and not going to sleep before you get it into the computer. Excellence is being the squeaky wheel. Excellence is living, laughing and loving but having a problem turning in your head trying to solve it. Excellence is boring and tedious. Excellence is sweat, blood, tears and delayed gratification. Mediocrity is easy. Excellence is difficult.