The Difference Between Average and Elite

Two Traits That Set You Apart

If you’re reading this, it’s not by accident. God is drawing you higher, to become everything He created you to be, to live your very best life, and to lead with impact in the place He’s called you to serve.

We’ve been in a powerful series called "The Difference Between Average and Elite", and today, I want to zero in on two qualities that separate the winners from the losers, the effective from the ineffective, the average from the elite.

Let’s talk about it.

1. Attention to Detail

The elite live by this principle: small hinges swing big doors.

I remember sitting down with a nationally recognized life coach and speaker, and I asked him, “What’s the difference between someone who’s average and someone who’s world-class?” He didn’t hesitate:
“World-class people pay attention to detail.”

It’s true. Whether you’re in ministry, business, education, or entrepreneurship, excellence is in the extra. Average people miss it. But the elite? They’re the ones who go the second mile, who exceed expectations, who create the “wow factor” in everything they do. Walt Disney understood this. He built an empire on little details that most people would never notice—but everyone would remember.

I’ve lived this principle in my own leadership journey. Back when I served as a Youth pastor at another church, I made it my mission to know all the details about my pastor. His favorite food (Chinese), favorite cologne (it was way back in the 70s, you may not even know what it is. It was Hai Karate), what made him smile, what stressed him out. Why? So I could serve him better. That’s attention to detail, and it made a lasting impact. When the time came for me to launch out and plant Church on the Rock, they didn’t want us to leave.

Let me ask you, leader: Are you paying attention to the little things that leave a big impression?

2. Obsession with Improvement

The greatest leaders never settle. They are obsessed with growth.

This is something I’ve seen in world-class athletes, CEOs, communicators, and kingdom leaders. They don’t stop growing just because they’ve reached a certain level. They know that good isn’t good enough when there’s still room for greatness.

Even after 40 years of pastoring and public speaking, I recently hired a communication coach. Why? Because I still want to improve. I want to get better—for God, for the people I serve, and for the mission I’ve been given.

Let me ask you:

“What’s one area you can improve in over the next 24 hours?”
Don’t overthink it—just pick one thing.

Then take one action step. Maybe it’s signing up for a course, finding a mentor, or simply reading a chapter from a great leadership book. For me, it was hiring a coach. That small step can create major momentum.

Closing Charge

Friend, God didn’t call you to be average. You were made to rise above the noise and mediocrity of the world. There’s nothing ordinary about the assignment on your life. God is for you, and He’s calling you higher.

Here’s your challenge this week:

• Choose one thing to improve.

• Take one step of action.

• Surround yourself with people who are growing too.

Because who you’re with, you become like.

Remember: Average is easy. Elite is intentional.
Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep getting better. Let’s live and lead the life God has called us to—with excellence, faith, and intentionality.

Until next time
Stay lifted. Stay focused. Stay elite.

—Pastor David Blunt