Po’okela is the Hawaiian word meaning “superior, best,” and “outstanding.” The value of po’okela teaches us to strive for excellence and do outstanding work. In Hawaii, most schools, churches, and community organizations, frequently refer to po’okela as a core value because it helps everyone in the group give 110%.
When we give our best, we feel our best. In all that we do, striving for excellence helps us honor and respect our creativity, gifts, and talents. It gives us a zest for life because we think “beyond” the box, not just “outside the box.” We use our unique personality and gifts to contribute in meaningful ways.
Because of po’okela, we go beyond the bare minimum. Doing that opens a space of aloha for others to do the same. When everyone strives for excellence, relationships are healthy, work environments and spaces function properly, and efficiency comes naturally.
Here are some other keys to living po’okela in our daily lives:
Do outstanding work
Like ho’ohana, the value of po’okela encourages us to work hard and do meaningful work. But what if we took it a step further to do outstanding work?
Too often we limit ourselves because an idea of ours hasn’t been done yet. We feel scared or anxious that others will reject or mock our efforts.
But with po’okela, we focus on what we can control, and we make an effort to ignore the doubters, haters, and critics. Every person has a purpose here on this earth, and as we do outstanding work, that purpose becomes clearer and clearer.
To learn more about meaningful work, check out Ho’ohana: Meaningful & Quality Work
Apply po’okela in our relationships
One thing that most people (including myself) love about the Hawaiian culture is the constant attitude of giving and going above and beyond. Growing up, I truly treasured the times I went into the yard, picked some ti leaves, and made lei to celebrate a special event like graduation, the holidays, or just because someone shared good news. People always seemed incredibly thoughtful, and good news shared by one person was good news for every person. Leis, food, and hugs were always given quickly and without any second thoughts.
What if we extended this generosity and thoughtfulness into more than getting a gift for a friend? Can we exercise the value of po’okela more in our relationships?
Instead of scrolling through our phone as someone talks or turning on a tv show instead of interacting with a loved one, what if we gave others our full attention? How about going above and beyond in remembering details about others? Do we need to exercise more patience with family members? Extend forgiveness?
We should ask ourselves, on a weekly—if not daily—basis: How can I strive for excellence in my relationships?
Avoid Being Kapulu (sloppy)
Growing up, my parents ensured that my siblings and I strove for excellence. Because of this, they discouraged us to be kapulu (sloppy), pilau (dirty), or unorganized. But one thing my dad said that always stuck with me (for better or worse) was not to do things “half-okole.” Well, ‘okole means bottom, butt, etc so you get the idea haha.
Anyway, I grew up always thinking that. In everything I did, even in jobs I strongly disliked, I put in my best effort–not half, not a quarter, not even 75%, but my best. I have tried to avoid sloppiness, laziness, and apathy.
When we do quality work, we get quality outcomes. I didn’t have to work uncomfortable and tiring jobs too long, as my efforts led me to network with others who offered better jobs.
As I’m currently writing books and creating content, I always try to ask myself: Is this the best I can do?
Po’okela means “best, outstanding, greatest” and even “champion!” Similar to ‘imi ola, where our call is to seek the highest in life, po’okela teaches us to do our best, to strive for quality in all that we do.
It’s easy to get lazy at a job or in relationships, but po’okela encourages us to do better. In high school, my teachers, coaches, counselors, and even the school kahu (pastor) said this word all the time. They drilled it into us and it sure worked because even to this day, I remember how important it is to live the value of po’okela.
Give 110%
Similar to the value of laulima and ho’okipa, po’okela invites us to give 110%. Growing up in Hawaii, many local athletes would say, “I gave 110%.” This mindset always stuck with me. If we give 110%, how would our relationships, creative projects, career, schooling, or current season of life change?
Questions to help us live po’okela:
1. Is there a project you’re currently working on? How can you put excellence and quality into it? Quality and excellence usually happen when we set time aside for our work, eliminate distractions, and have fun! Create that space for yourself so that you can do your best work!
2. Is there a relationship (especially those with a spouse or kids) that is at mediocre quality? What is something you can do to make it better? (Check out the blog for inspiration, or check out the 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness Course) Do something fun and make meaningful memories!
3. Are you striving for excellence in your career, school, or your current season in life (parenting, service, volunteer work, etc)?
Whenever we slump into laziness or sloppiness we really do ourselves a disservice. It’s ok to take breaks and not do everything perfect, but it’s also important to honor ourselves with the quality of work that we do, in whatever season of life we might be in.
So I hope this is an amazing spring season for you as we all strive to live po’okela.
With aloha always,
Leialoha
Your turn!
How do you live the value of po’okela? Please let us know in the comments!
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