best

Over the course of time I have watched the most talented, the most athletic, the smartest and the best do well and be successful. I have also seen them peak, never to repeat their level of success again. What keeps that from happening? Why would a talented, celebrated person become a has-been, letting the present be the best part of their future? I’m sure the superficial answer, for everyone, varies. At its root, however, the heart issue is often the same – pride. I’ve struggled with pride, and I’ve never been deemed the best at anything. I can only imagine the mental challenges the “best” face. What I see, most often, is the stagnancy of success and the complacency of “I have arrived” dictating and distracting consistency in stride. 

The best seems great when it comes naturally, but my experience is that “best” is developed in the steady pace of production. It is the daily consistency of shooting and making 100 shots a day or putting away a dollar a week or posting a story at the same time every single day that we are able to see success, growth and best status achieved. The mundane, steady, daily practices make the greatest difference. 

It’s hard living in this microwave, “go viral” world. People pursue you, love you and think you’re great as long as you fall in that category of “great”. That’s so much pressure, making humility seemingly impossible. It can also be extravagantly painful when you no longer meet the invisible standard of “best”. 

Talent, ability, and finesse are great! Life is great for everyone who has it, and in some ways harder for those that don’t.  However, those are not the sustaining features or qualities of well-being, success, capacity or sustainability. The best person is typically NOT the person that makes it big, leaves a legacy or lives out the most fulfilling lives. I’ve been around great dancers, phenomenal athletes and highly intelligent individuals. Our ability is not what makes us great, bringing us success. It is consistency, it is humility, it is curiosity and disciplined growth that make us the best version of ourselves. 

Sincerely,
Doing my best

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are practices and habits that will contribute to the “best” version of yourself?
2. What are your life priorities and how can you serve those priorities, giving you all?
3. How can you make the best difference in the world around you?