“I’m doing the best that I can.” But if I’m being honest with myself… am I really? It’s a question, I’d always ask myself. To what standard, to a perfect standard? Then what do I really mean? “I’m trying my best”. “Trying” such an imperfect word. “Try” can mean anything, to any standard.
A compromise here, a compromise there. Maybe it wasn’t the effort that I could’ve given. I could’ve made mistakes I shouldn’t have. Or my mental focus wasn’t as sharp as it could’ve been. What about my motivation and energy?
On what scale of “try” still qualifies as “trying”? And all I’d need to say was “I’m doing the best that I can” to make excuses, to let myself off the hook. To tell myself any amount of trying, no matter how small, is still trying or doing my best. This was a paradox I couldn’t escape. A question I’d ask myself, I’d know the answer to, but I’d have to make exceptions to not hold myself in judgment. But with every compromise, the standard and qualifications would get lowered every time.
So what?
Stop doing your “best”. Stop saying you’re doing your “best”. Stop expecting the “best” is even possible”. The expectation is the detriment. It’s sabotage. The perfect standard is what’s impossible to meet. Do what you do. Do it with presence, energy and connection. Do it with life, purpose and intention. Do it with passion, enthusiasm and optimism. Do it without the expectation of it being your “best”. Free yourself from that judgment and expectation. Freedom opens you up to the best of what is.