Did you know that excellence isn't an accident? It's the result of a deliberate journey that Terrell Turner, CPA, has mapped out in his Golden AGE framework. This powerful approach has helped countless professionals transform their performance across various business domains. 

“AGE”—standing for Average, Good, and Excellent—represents the three stages of mastery in any skill or business function: 

• Average: Your starting point or baseline performance 

• Good: Demonstrating consistent improvement beyond the basics 

• Excellent: Achieving mastery and exceptional results 

1. Self-assessment is your starting line 

Before beginning your excellence journey, honest self-evaluation is essential. Where do you currently stand in your target area? According to Turner, many professionals overestimate their starting position, making improvement more challenging. 

2. Measurable milestones matter  

The Golden AGE framework emphasizes creating clear benchmarks for each level of performance.

Define what each level looks like for your specific goal:

• Average: Your sales performance meets basic quotas.

• Good: Your sales performance regularly exceeds targets by 15%.

• Excellent: Your sales performance is consistently in the top 10%, with strong customer retention.

3. Small steps create big changes 

Breaking down the journey from average to excellent into smaller steps makes progress sustainable. 

If you consider your team communication "average," prioritize moving to "good" before tackling "excellent":

• Good: Schedule regular check-ins.

• Excellent: Run a team-building workshop.

4. Consistency creates excellence 

Excellence requires regular practice, not occasional effort. Schedule time each week to work on your chosen area, whether it's reviewing financial statements or practicing presentation skills. 

5. Feedback fuels growth 

External perspectives reveal blind spots. Ask mentors or colleagues to evaluate your progress as you move through AGE.

6. The path is personal 

Unlike rigid performance systems, the Golden AGE framework is fully customizable. Your definition of "excellent" financial management may differ from another business owner's, making the approach relevant for businesses of all sizes and types.

How to apply the Golden AGE framework to life and work

• Career development:

  • Average: Average performance reviews

  • Good: Exceed expectations

  • Excellent: Take on a special project 

• Health and wellness:

  • Average: Occasional exercise

  • Good: Maintain a regular workout routine

  • Excellent: Optimize your nutrition and fitness plan  

• Personal growth:

  • Average: Some self-awareness

  • Good: Practicing mindfulness or journaling

  • Excellent: Attend a personal development workshop

Start your transformation today

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