Never apologize for wanting to improve, and don’t succumb to the insidious idea that wanting to excel is somehow evil.
Every master of any craft had the burning desire to excel and translated that desire into prolonged, determined action. Michelangelo competed with DaVinci and other Renaissance artists for commissions.
Some of their greatest masterpieces were the direct result of trying to outdo each other.
They had good motivations to excel, not only to produce the most beautiful artwork and enjoy the prestige it would bring, but to feed their families as well.
At the same time, you will need patience because you are playing a long game; mastery isn’t bestowed upon you after your first few rounds of effort.
Once your long-term objectives are set, it’s time to immerse yourself in your daily training.
You can be in the moment when the future is assured by following in the footsteps of experts who came before you and those who are walking the path with you.