Achieving excellence takes time, commitment

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The holidays are over, the tree has been packed away, and unfortunately many people have already given up on their New Year's resolutions. 

In fact, experts estimate that only about 67 percent of individuals who make a New Year's Resolution are even sticking with it two months later. 

As for me I don't even bother with New Year's resolutions because I've learned that you can (and should) set goals at all times of the year -- you don't have to wait until the ball drops in Times Square. 

Last year my goal was to achieve a 100 on my physical fitness test. Although working out is a hobby of mine, I still couldn't just walk out the door, meet my fitness monitor, and score 100 on my test. 

As with any attempt at achieving excellence, I had to make a detailed plan that could help me accomplish my goal. For me that plan included strength training and abdominal work as well as adding interval training to my running regimen. 

I worked hard during the months preceding my test and was easily able to achieve my goal as my testing month rolled around. 

My point is that anytime you are pursuing excellence, it takes more than a perfunctory promise to do something you've been wanting to do. It takes commitment, time and a lot of hard work. 

After the wing's Unit Compliance Inspection in May, all of us here at Incirlik set a goal to excel during the upcoming NSI. 

Leadership set goals and made a plan and Airmen across the base worked hard exercising the plan. I have no doubt we'll see the fruits of our labors when we "wow" the NSI inspectors. 

As for me, once again I'm gunning for 100 on my PFT. Unfortunately, I'm another year older which requires me to make a few adjustments to this year's plan. 

My PFT comes around in April so you can already find me at the high school track a couple days a week working on my intervals.