October 31, 2018
“Whatever you do, make it your best. Not the best for anyone else, but for yourself.”
In the English language, the number 1 is significant. It is the first in a set or series. A business strives to be number one in its market. In sports, teams, and athletes, want to be ranked number one. Movie producers want their movie ranked number one at the box office. Couples in a relationship want to be each other’s one and only. Ahead of the class is another way of saying number one.
Number one needs at least a number two to give a contrast. Number two is defined as second place. People remember the first person to fly nonstop and solo across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh. The first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. The first President of the United States, George Washington. But many people can’t recall the names of, Amelia Earhart, Buzz Aldrin, and John Adams. These people are famous but not because they are number ones. They are the second to fly nonstop and solo across the Atlantic, the second person to walk on the moon and the second President of the United States.
Being number one may not always be possible. Often other people have strengths, talents, position, education, and opportunities that aren’t available to you. The wish to be number one is commendable. But not everyone can be number one. A more desirable goal and one achievable is to be the best you can be. You become number one in using what you have or can acquire
Five B’s to Being Your Best.
- Be unique. Know no one else is like you. You are like your fingerprints, unique. Based on your education, the environment, experiences, and your entourage (the people you hang with), you contribute to the more significant cause in ways that no one else does. Be a contributor and not a complainer.
- Be specific. To bring your best requires that you focus on the one or two things most important to your purpose and goals. Your actions should bring you closer to achieving the objective. Avoid activities that don’t serve the focus.
- Be enthusiastic. Find something in each assignment that makes that job special. Knowing how your contribution contributes to the overall projects helps generate commitment and passion for the job.
- Be a team player. If you are not self-employed, you work with others. The strategy of a team is to unite and contribute the sum of their individual members’ best. Each member works for the good of the whole. The results are that the sum is greater than the parts.
- Be prepared. People who deliver their best continue to receive opportunities to contribute. This commitment leads to bigger assignments and added responsibility, and more pay (If you don’t experience this progressive career movement, consider finding other employment). People who prepare themselves and always bring their best are rare. It’s the rarity that determines the value
Not every person can be number one or be the best, but people can be their best. How you see your best defines your best. It is okay to be second best if you commit to being your best.