如何做到比一般人更好：挺身而出
刘立军 供稿
TRANSCRIPT
Have you heard the saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”? This quote has been echoed through the ages to encourage good works and competence. Doing your best is always a good way to tackle anything you want to accomplish.
The average person is usually trying to do the best they can. We feel better about ourselves, reach more goals, and become more successful when we do a good job.
But what if you wanted to become more than average? What if you wanted to excel to greater heights in your relationships and workplace? What would it take to be a cut above? What would you need to do to perform above average?
Well, let’s take a look at what makes someone truly exceptional.
Show Up
One thing people do who perform at above average levels is to show up. It seems like such a simple thing to do ― but think about it. How many times have you counted on someone to do something, and they didn’t show up? Average people often intend to show up for the job, the event or other situation they have agreed to take on but then cancel commitments or don’t realize the extent of what was expected of them. By showing up on a regular basis, you are already on a path of being above average. Knowing that people can rely on you to be there when you said you would makes a huge difference.
Actor William Shatner stated, “Any success I have had begun by my showing up on time, being prepared, and doing the best possible job.”
Showing up for yourself is important, too. For example, if you wanted to learn a new skill, you would need to show up on a regular basis for practice or training. People who are above average at things like playing an instrument or a sport, or developing superior business skills, show up to do the work they need to do in order to accomplish their goal.
In communities, when there is work to be done, or policies that need to be decided, it takes people to get together and make plans. It takes people who can commit to a greater cause. Above-average people don’t just sit back and let someone else do it. They get involved. The world is run by people who show up.
VOCABULARY
1. tackle v. to make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation 应付，处理，解决（难题或局面）。例如：The government is determined to tackle inflation. 政府决心解决通货膨胀问题。
2. excel v. to be very good at doing sth. 擅长；善于；突出。例如：She has always excelled in foreign languages. 她的外语从来都是出类拔萃。
QUESTIONS
Listen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.
1. What is the purpose of the quote, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”?
A. To encourage people to do their best.
B. To discourage people from doing anything.
C. To criticize those who are not competent.
D. To emphasize the importance of doing things quickly.
2. What is the author’s opinion of average people?
A. They usually try to do their best.
B. They often cancel commitments.
C. They don’t realize what is expected of them.
D. They are not capable of showing up regularly.
3. According to the passage, what makes someone truly exceptional?
A. Being average and consistent.
B. Showing up on a regular basis.
C. Being involved in the community.
D. Having above-average intelligence.
4. What does William Shatner suggest is the key to his success?
A. Being naturally talented.
B. Working hard and being prepared.
C. Associating with successful people.
D. Being lucky.
KEY
1. What is the purpose of the quote, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”?
A. To encourage people to do their best.
B. To discourage people from doing anything.
C. To criticize those who are not competent.
D. To emphasize the importance of doing things quickly.
【答案】A
【解析】细节题。题干问的是这句话的目的，选项中只有 A 选项正确回答了目的，即鼓励人们尽力做好每件事。
2. What is the author’s opinion of average people?
A. They usually try to do their best.
B. They often cancel commitments.
C. They don’t realize what is expected of them.
D. They are not capable of showing up regularly.
【答案】A
【解析】细节题。题干问的是文章作者对普通人的看法，选项中只有 A 选项正确回答了该问题。作者认为普通人通常试图尽力做好工作。
3. According to the passage, what makes someone truly exceptional?
A. Being average and consistent.
B. Showing up on a regular basis.
C. Being involved in the community.
D. Having above-average intelligence.
【答案】B
【解析】推理题。题干询问造就出一个真正卓越的人的特质，而文中提到了那些表现超越一般水平的人所做的一件事就是在需要现身的时候现身。因此，该题的答案为 B。
4. What does William Shatner suggest is the key to his success?
A. Being naturally talented.
B. Working hard and being prepared.
C. Associating with successful people.
D. Being lucky.
【答案】B
【解析】细节题。题干问的是威廉·夏特纳认为成功的关键是什么，文章中有他的名言：“我取得的所有成功都始于我准时出现、准备好并尽可能做到最好。”因此，该题的答案为 B。
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