We have all heard, “always do your best.” Whether it came from our parents, a teacher or instructor, doing our best has always been a precept echoed throughout our lives. But what does doing your best really mean? And is it even possible to always do your best?
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Emphatically I say yes, yes it is.
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Doing your best is not about meeting expectations or achievements. It isn’t about success or failure. It is about putting all your energy into whatever situation you are currently experiencing, practicing or training. Trying your hardest in ALL things.
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But thinking about doing your best cannot coexist with actually doing your best.
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The point is, that you just have to live each and every moment with the intention of giving your ALL to the present, whatever that entails. Whatever kata, drill, technique or principle you are involved in, you can’t do your best, if you are worried that you could be doing better.
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Do things to ‘do them’, not…. ‘get them done’. There are a lot of situations in the dojo that we dread. For example, getting through the longer, more difficult kata to get to the next easier one. The mind often immediately races to, “I can’t wait until this is done.”
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Instead of dreading something until ‘its done’, take it as an opportunity to fully involve yourself with your practice. Even if it is something that you have done a thousand times, experience it to its fullest.
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Doing your best isn’t about being perfect. You will make mistakes, but that’s OK. You learn from your mistakes, keep practicing, and look honestly at your results. Doing your best helps you feel good about yourself.
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Invest all your energy into ALWAYS doing your best, in all things, you will be amazed by the results.
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Your best will get better. Your BEST is always enough. 
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 Photo Credit: Sandra Sanchez world kata champion
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