Are you always at your best?

While I would like to say that I am always at my best, that simply wouldn’t be true. I don’t think any of us could honestly say that. Some days I’m distracted by nice weather and would rather go for a walk and take pictures than knock out a task list. Or, when I’ve taken on a bit too much and just feel drained, I really need some quiet time to recharge and be on top of my game. And, of course, once in a while I just don’t feel well and then it is hard to be my best, no matter what I might be doing.

That being said, I am also confident that when it’s crunch time or when someone else is counting on me or I know that my best will make a difference, I will always rise to the occasion. I can be counted on to give my best when my best is really needed. I know what is important and I act accordingly.

This is, in part, driven by my desire to live a fully present life and generally embracing a positive attitude. I feel strongly about being integrious in all things and, especially this year, striving to be my authentic self. Each of these qualities and desires drive me to give my best, especially when my best is needed.

What about you? Do you bring your A-game when nothing less will do?

I jotted down two related quotes in the last four days, made by very different people in different settings. Yet, they are both saying the same thing; when your best is needed, that is when you must give your best. If you do, you have a much better chance of succeeding. If you don’t, it’s almost guaranteed that you will not.

During the coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, CBS Sports analyst Clark Kellogg said the following while providing commentary about an underdog team that had just won their game:

Bring your best when your best is needed.

During Monday’s broadcast of The Voice, celebrity coach and recording superstar Celine Dion shared this thought, after a competitor did not have his best performance during a practice session:

You can’t be good all the time. You have to be good when it’s time.

Our opportunities might not be winning a championship or a big contract, but we all face critical moments where our delivering our best makes the difference. So, again, I’ll ask what about you? Can you be counted on to bring your best when your best is really needed? Are you really good when it’s time to be really good? If not, what is holding you back?

Time to reflect.

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