The Magic of Reaching For and Achieving Your Personal Best
You have the power to create a compelling future
Our personal best.
It’s a state of excellence many of us strive for — often with disappointing results. While subjective in nature, the concept and definition varies for each of us. But the idea that we have the ability — the power — to achieve such a level of personal accomplishment is compelling.
When we consider the possibility of reaching our personal best, we feel a sense of going beyond our own limiting expectations — surpassing past efforts to accomplish a new, higher level of achievement. And sometimes this heightened vision of ourselves is daunting, even intimidating — and as a result, we give up on the idea of even trying.
The truth? We all have the opportunity to realize this state by recognizing our unique talents, and effectively using them for success.
So how do we accomplish that pinnacle of perfection?
How do we know without a doubt that we’ve arrived? Even more important, how do we maintain our confidence that we’ll no longer settle for anything less from ourselves in our future endeavors?
It starts with making a personal commitment to do what it takes
More than just showing up, more than trying, more than wishing it were so. It means doing the hard work.
Dedicating ourselves — mentally and physically — to the pursuit of self-development and personal growth is an indication we’ve recognized a need for improvement. And we’re willing to face it head-on, despite the whispers from our past.
Pushing ourselves to improve — become better, stronger, more alive and on purpose — is an individual choice
Because the motivation comes from within.
While it’s important to continue learning from role models and mentors, authentic inspiration is self-defined. And if we’re consumed with past failures, lack of self-confidence, doubt, and fear, changing our beliefs may seem like an overwhelming chore. And unfortunately, the result is we often give up too quickly on the commitment to become the best we can be.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Where to start?
Observe those you admire. Ask questions and gather information. Stretch yourself in manageable ways by reading more, listening to podcasts, cleaning up your diet, and strengthening your body.
Everything is connected — your mind, body, and spirit — and by considering each aspect of your being as part of the whole, your chances of reaching higher levels of thought and performance will improve.
Bringing our personal best to everything we do is not only noble, it’s a practical, worthwhile undertaking
One that requires courage in the face of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. By understanding that the process is a continuing journey — a work in progress — and approaching our goals in small, doable steps, we’ll begin to see noticeable changes in our abilities, perspective, and attitude.
We become more curious and less suspicious, more willing to try with less reluctance, more open to new ideas and strategies we might not have considered before.
Our personal best won’t materialize overnight
It takes time, just like anything else worth fighting for.
Eventually, your own values and beliefs will reveal themselves after you’ve stripped away your personal demons, and embraced the resolve to use the wisdom, insight, and lessons garnered from others — combined with your own experience — to create a compelling future that reflects the very best you can be.
And when it looks right, feels right, and sounds right, you’ll know it’s time to share your personal best with the world!
© 2020 Jill Reid. All Rights Reserved.
Jill Reid is the author of Real Life: We breathe, We sleep, We eat … And in-between, We Live
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Jill Reid is the founder of Pathway to Personal Growth and author of Real Life . Her books and articles explore life, happiness, self-improvement, health, productivity, relationships, and personal success strategies.
