"If you're not five minutes early, you're late." 
 
"Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today."
 
"Karimabadis don't get Bs." 
 
Like most fathers, my dad had an abundance of adages to share with me growing up, usually bringing out my best eyerolls. But one of his many sayings always stuck with me more than the rest: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well."
 
There's really nothing profound about this statement. It's just a reminder that if you're taking the time to do something, you might as well do a good job with it. But that short phrase never failed to echo in the back of my head every time I was near quitting or taking the easy way out. 
 
I have so many memories of doing seemingly inconsequential tasks, like decorating for a birthday party, bowling with my family, or icing a cake, and my dad jumping in to remind me that "anything worth doing is worth doing well." It used to infuriate me. One balloon out of place wouldn't make a difference. I was just bowling for fun; it didn't matter if my form was bad. No one would notice if the icing didn't look like what I intended. 
 
Even though those moments seemed so trivial, what I know now is that every single one of those instances helped shape my attitudes and work ethic for the rest of my life. I hold myself to a high standard, not just professionally and academically, but even in the areas that seem so insignificant. I realized that if I got in the habit of doing my best at the most mundane things, it would become that much easier to do my best in all things. 
 
What started as an annoying saying transformed into a core part of who I am. It's probably a major reason I get irrationally competitive with board games or can't give up on a show no matter how terrible it is. 
 
It's also the reason I was able to make the difficult choice to come to UC Berkeley all the way from Maryland without knowing a single person. It's the reason I added a Global Studies major for the pure sake of interest even though it doesn't relate to my career plans. It's the reason I'm confidently pursuing a future in a traditionally male-dominated industry: sports. And it's the reason I know I'll thrive no matter what the future holds. 
 
I can't tell you how many times those seven words have inspired me to do a little bit better, try a little bit harder, or push a little bit further. But I can tell you it's the simplest way to transform your life: anything worth doing is worth doing well.  
 
Every day and especially during Women's History Month, I'm inspired by the accomplishments of women in sport who exemplify this work ethic of excellence. As a graduating senior and the Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Communication in the Cal Athletics DEIBJ Office, I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to help our department #AccelerateDEIBJ this academic year. I'm excited to see what the future holds as I continue to pave my path. 

Mia Karamabadi is double-majoring in Business Administration and Global Studies and aspires to work in marketing for a sports team or in a sports-focused creative agency.