In a world where perfection is often sought after but rarely attained, the idea of simply doing one’s best might seem like a consolation prize. However, the true essence of always giving your best lies not in flawless execution but in the commitment to putting forth your maximum effort, regardless of the circumstances. This practice not only brings a deep sense of accomplishment and well-being but also serves as a powerful differentiator in the pursuit of success.
One important thing to recognize is that "doing your best" is not a fixed standard. Your best on any given day can vary depending on numerous factors—your health, mood, energy levels, and external circumstances. Yet, this variability does not diminish the value of your effort.
There was a time when I was a crazed marathon runner - sometimes running two or three in a year. Training was a continuous journey for every race and every race I was competing against myself, aiming for a personal best time. However, on some race days, knee arthritis would be flaring up and I would not be feeling my strongest. One race in particular had a 5 hour 30 minute cut-off time. I was around a 5 hour marathoner with a personal best of 4:45. This race day the rain was coming down, the wind was blowing and the beautiful Napa Valley course was nearly impossible to see and certainly not enjoy. I completed the course in soaked, heavy clothes in 5:32. The medal handed to me as I finished did not say "Finisher" it said "Participant". I felt deeply disappointed in the medal. But I felt a profound sense of accomplishment for having persevered despite the challenges. Determination to give my best effort, regardless of the outcome, was a victory in itself. I knew I had done everything within my power and my abilities, and that allowed me to walk away without regrets. (Although a little irked about the lame "Participant" medal).
When we commit to doing our best, we create a protective barrier against the corrosive effects of self-judgment and regret. Giving your best effort ensures that, regardless of the outcome, you can stand by your actions and decisions. This is illustrated in the experience of a former employee of mine, a young sales professional facing a daunting presentation to a high potential client. Despite meticulous preparation, she was nervous, fearing she might not get the account.
On the day of the appointment, she stumbled over her words a few times and noticed that she was less confident than she had hoped to be. However, knowing she had prepared thoroughly and had given it her all, she felt a sense of peace afterward. Even though her performance was not flawless, she did not dwell on what she could have done better. Instead, she took pride in her effort and learned from the experience without harsh self-criticism. By doing her best, she avoided the trap of self-judgment and instead focused on growth and improvement. And she impressed the prospect who could see the integrity of the effort and it was the start of the road to relationship.
In business and life, consistently doing your best sets you apart from the crowd. It becomes a competitive advantage, a habit that builds resilience, determination, and the capacity to achieve long-term success. This is evident in the journey of my friend Steve, an entrepreneur who started a small tech company. Steve faced numerous challenges—stiff competition, financial constraints, and the inevitable setbacks of launching a new venture. But what set Steve apart was his relentless commitment to excellence, no matter the circumstances.
Every product Steve’s company released, every pitch he made, and every decision he faced was approached with a determination to do his best. Over time, this commitment to quality and effort became the hallmark of his brand. Customers recognized the care and dedication behind the products, and Steve’s company grew from a small startup to a respected name in the industry. The competitive advantage Steve gained was not from shortcuts or superficial measures, but from a deep-seated habit of always striving to give his best.
The habit of always doing your best is also the foundation for reaching your full potential. It creates a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience, enabling you to push beyond your perceived limits. Take the example of Maria, a musician who had always been passionate about playing the violin. Although talented, Maria struggled with self-doubt and perfectionism, often feeling that her performances were never good enough.
Determined to break free from this cycle, Maria decided to shift her focus from being perfect to simply doing her best in every practice session and performance. This change in mindset was transformative. As she committed to giving her all without the burden of perfectionism, Maria found that her playing improved significantly. She became more expressive, confident, and ultimately, more successful as a musician. By consistently doing her best, Maria unlocked her true potential, achieving levels of artistry she had never thought possible.
Always doing your best is not about achieving perfection; it’s about making the effort, day in and day out, to put forth your best, whatever that may look like on any given day. This approach not only enhances your sense of well-being and shields you from self-judgment but also serves as a powerful differentiator in the pursuit of success. By consistently striving to do your best, you lay the foundation for reaching your full potential, both in business and as a human being. In the end, it is this commitment to effort, rather than perfection, that truly defines success.
Always be asking yourself - Am I giving this my best?