One of the most valuable lessons I learned in college was a statement one of my business professors was fond of stating. Thankfully, he stated it frequently as repetition is often necessary to not only hear but fully embrace learning.
His statement was, “it’s more important to pursue your best effort rather than the best effort.” In other words, if your goal is to be the best at something, you will frequently fail as there can only be one best at something. Everyone else is technically not the best. If there can only be one best, then everyone else is less than the best. In most cases, there is always someone better out there.
Instead, what you have the most control over is being your best. If I’m being my best and giving my best effort, then I’m reaching my potential and doing the best I can.
I’ve never forgotten that profound, simple truth. Be your best. That’s a great aspiration and goal in life. When we’re our best, we’re a success.