Name of the Book: Excellence: Bridging The Gap Between Classroom and Cubicle
Author: Cladius Fernando
Publisher: Cladius Fernando
Copyright Year: 2024
Number of Pages: 261
Rating: : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cladius Fernando’s Excellence is a compelling guide to achieving greatness in both your personal and professional life. In a world where success is often equated with external validation, Fernando offers a refreshing perspective, showing that true excellence is rooted in discipline, self-awareness, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.
A Practical Guide to Achieving Greatness
Fernando begins by defining what excellence truly means. He writes, “Excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey that requires effort, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to growth.” This statement encapsulates the heart of the book—excellence is not something that is instantly achieved; it is a lifestyle that must be cultivated every day through small but consistent actions.
For example, consider a college student learning to code. In the beginning, the concepts might seem overwhelming, and the temptation to give up after a few failed attempts is strong. But Fernando’s message encourages us to view those early struggles as part of the journey to mastery. Just as you wouldn't expect to become a proficient programmer after writing a few lines of code, excellence in coding requires practice, trial and error, and continual improvement. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. Without it, all the dreams in the world remain unfulfilled.” Fernando’s wisdom is evident here—if you’re not putting in the hours, debugging your code, or trying different approaches, the goal of mastering a programming language will remain distant.
A Balanced Approach to Success
One of the most valuable lessons in Excellence is Fernando’s emphasis on balance. He acknowledges that while professional success is important, it should never come at the expense of personal well-being. He encourages readers to seek harmony in all areas of life, stating, “True excellence is not just about achieving greatness in one area; it’s about finding balance between work, relationships, and self-care.”
For a college student juggling multiple assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities, this advice hits home. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sacrificing sleep or health in the name of getting a coding project done. Fernando reminds readers that true excellence requires maintaining balance, even when faced with tight deadlines. When working on a coding assignment, it’s tempting to burn the midnight oil, but the key to sustained excellence lies in creating routines that allow time for rest, physical activity, and even socializing with friends—activities that re-energize you for your next challenge.
Interactive and Thought-Provoking Exercises
Fernando doesn’t simply lecture readers; he invites them to engage actively with the content. After each chapter, there are practical exercises designed to help readers reflect on their own journey and assess their progress. For instance, one of the exercises challenges readers to “list three actions you can take today to bring yourself closer to your version of excellence.”
For a college student in a coding class, this could be something as simple as setting specific, measurable goals like “I will complete and test at least three coding problems on HackerRank by tonight” or “I will dedicate 30 minutes to debugging my project and learning about new algorithms.” The point is to take concrete steps every day, whether it’s coding a small portion of a project or mastering a new concept in programming. These small actions, repeated consistently, lead to larger success over time.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Excellence is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their life. The book’s blend of motivational quotes, practical advice, and interactive exercises make it an invaluable tool for personal and professional growth. Cladius Fernando has crafted a timeless resource that shows how excellence is a choice—one that can be made every day.
Whether you’re a college student coding your first application, a young professional trying to climb the career ladder, or someone seeking to become a better version of yourself, Excellence is the roadmap you need. It serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies within reach, but only if we are willing to put in the work and maintain a balanced approach to success.
Note: I have received a free copy of the book from the author.
