My grandmother, whom we called Grandmary, was an impressive woman. She re-invented her career multiple times. She was constantly active, spending time in her garden and walking up the flight of stairs in her condo many times each day. She drove a stick shift. As a proud Texan, she was known to carry a miniature pistol in her purse simply because she could. She had many axioms, from butter being good for you, to good things come to those who wake up early. One of her favorite sayings was “be neat,” to which I attribute my self-diagnosed case of mild OCD.

Another truth she instilled in me is the desire to pursue excellence in everything I do. She was a no bullshit kind of person and I think this was manifested in another favorite phrase of hers, “don’t be lazy.” While this sounds simplistic and obvious, over time it took on a far deeper meaning for me. I now take on the act of learning new skills with a particularly obsessive zeal. I turn the smallest of tasks - raking leaves, packing a suitcase, washing dishes - and turn them into a competition, even if I’m the only player. I find myself deeply impressed with people who appear to take great pride in their work, regardless of how menial it may seem to others.

As an example, there is a doorman/security guard in one of the offices I frequently visit. This person is one of the most cheerful, genuine, helpful individuals I have ever come across. There might be several months between my visits to this particular building and he always remembers my name, where I am going, and asks specific questions about my life. He will jump up from behind his desk to hold the door or press the elevator button for the appropriate floor. Its easy to discount someone like this by saying “he’s just a happy person,” but I believe he truly enjoys what he’s doing and takes pride in doing it well.

Its a lesson we can all learn from and use to shape our own behaviors. It doesn’t matter if you are the CEO of a billion dollar startup, the manager of a Subway franchise or a media planner, take pride in everything you do. Produce excellent work consistently. Interact with colleagues, customers, bosses and employees with respect, empathy and a genuine interest in improving things around you. Take this mindset outside the workplace to family holiday gatherings, weekend chores, the field, court or gym. If you are going to do something, whether you have to or you want to, do your very best every time. You will be better for it.

When Grandmary passed, someone found a note she had written entitled “Here’s what is important to me.” As far as I know, she never shared it with anyone else. Among other things, she wrote, “constantly learning, growing and becoming all I can be, helping others to do the same in their own way.” If I am half as successful in pursuit of that goal as she was, I would be proud. She may be missed, but the impact she had on those around her is still felt every day.