A short motivational YouTube monologue by Donald Burns (uploaded Dec 17, 2023) that uses Michael Jordan as an exemplar of excellence to urge restaurant professionals not to accept mediocrity. Through a kitchen-as-game analogy, Burns encourages listeners to push harder under pressure, take control, and strive to be the 'Michael Jordan' of their restaurant.
Don't confuse mediocrity with excellence. They're not the same sport. Did you ever hear the story of Michael Jordan? I mean, the guy wasn't just good, he was exceptional. He didn't settle for average. Jordan always aimed higher, pushed harder, and strove to be the very best, even when others thought he was already at the top. Now imagine that you're standing in your own kitchen. It's packed, the orders are piling up, and the pressure's on. And it feels like you're in that last quarter of a championship game, doesn't it? The restaurant industry wants you to believe that mediocrity is enough, that being just another player in the game is okay. But it's not. Don't settle for mediocre. Don't bow down to the belief that average is acceptable. Take control. Be exceptional. Every mountain climbed, every challenge overcomes makes you stronger, better and more competent. And in the end, remember this. Your potential is a puzzle waiting for you to solve it. So be the trailblazer, not the follower. Be the Michael Jordan of your restaurant.
If your restaurant only works because you work 80 hours a week, it doesn't work.
