Do Your Best Every Day!

2 min

Is there a question from your childhood that has stuck with you? For me, a simple, yet profound question that enveloped my upbringing was: “Did you do your best?” This was a recurring inquiry from my parents, a guiding principle emphasizing effort over outcomes.

Growing up, the pursuit of excellence was never measured by exam scores or competition rankings. Instead, it hinged on the sincerity of my answer to that crucial question. It was an ethos transcending success or failure, centering on commitment to giving my all, regardless of the circumstances. 

My parents' philosophy was clear - doing my best was what mattered most. They impressed upon me that the definition of "best" was fluid, subject to the changing tides of our daily lives. Some days are harder than others, they said, but you will always make it if you do your best. What constituted my best one day might differ from the next, and that was perfectly acceptable. Life, after all, is a dynamic journey filled with ever-shifting situations. What remained constant, however, was the expectation of putting all my energy into whatever situation I am currently experiencing.

This mindset, instilled in me from a tender age, has been an invaluable guide as I navigate life through its many phases and transitions. It shields me from the shadows of dissatisfaction that often accompany rigid expectations and has fostered a healthy perspective on success and failure.

In a world often measuring success by external accolades, my parents’ wisdom echoes, reminding me to find fulfillment in the process of doing my best - not about being perfect but consistently giving it my all.

So, in  whatever situation you find yourself in, remember that doing your best is an ongoing commitment to investing all your energy into the present moment. It's about recognizing that circumstances change and adapting your efforts accordingly. This philosophy will be a steady guide in both good times and bad, fostering resilience and a belief that, as long as you give your best, it will continue to evolve and improve.

For a practical tool for fostering introspection and commitment to your best, check out the MyKume Journal. (If you've already purchased a journal, thank you! We'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review.)

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