Do Your Best

My yoga instructor, JC, always begins class by reminding us that yoga is not about doing the perfect pose, but rather about doing the pose to the best of your ability. When I was new to yoga, I really appreciated him setting me at ease. Even though I had been exercising for years, yoga was a very different, and humbling, challenge for me. Knowing that it was OK to be less than perfect allowed me to be patient with myself and focus on doing my best. Now that I've been going to yoga class for a few months, and am making progress with my poses, I still like JC's reminder as we start each class that we can enjoy the process without having to be perfect.

It's good to remember that our goal in life is to not be perfect. Even though we may try to be superhuman in our work, our workouts, our relationships and other aspects of our lives, in reality imperfection is inherent to being human. It can be frustrating, tiring and self-defeating trying to be perfect all the time.

Why not try trusting that the imperfection is part of the perfection? Strive for excellence, doing your best and allow yourself to accept that it is enough. In doing so, you can begin to take yourself less seriously and enjoy life more.

1. Give yourself a break. How often do you have extreme expectations of yourself, and your own performance, that you would never have of another person? Have patience with yourself and do the best you can in each moment. Ask yourself: What will I do today to give myself a break?

2. Move along. When you make a mistake, get the lesson and move on. Hindsight is always 20/20; it is easy to criticize performance from the vantage point of looking back. Spending time rehashing a mistake robs you of precious time and energy that is better spent doing your best in the present moment. Ask yourself: Do I need to move along now?

3. Get the support you need to do your best. Set yourself up to do your best by creating environments that support you in having the tools, resources and information you need. Make sure you have someone to talk to, a trusted ally, mentor, or coach who will help you maintain perspective and encourage you to do your best. Ask yourself: Who will I ask to support me in doing my best?

"Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly." ~ Robert H. Schuller

"Striving to better, oft we mar what's well." ~ William Shakespeare

"Striving for perfection is the greatest stopper there is. You'll be afraid you can't achieve it. It's your excuse to yourself for not doing anything. Instead, strive for excellence, doing your best." ~ Laurence Olivier