Most people work hard at least some of the time. And most people would be willing to admit that on any given day, they have effort “reserves” in the tank. How about you? How many days per week do you show up and give your absolute best effort in every engagement?
I asked myself this question today after hearing the message that a commitment to excellence means showing up as the best version of ourselves in every situation. So, we are never phoning it in. As I thought about it, I realized that I definitely have areas in my life where I phone it in. It’s not that I don’t get things done; it’s that I allow myself to do just enough to get by. This was a wake-up call for me.
Now, I understand that we all have those days in life that are very challenging, like downright brutal. However, if I am honest, I might have a handful of those days in a given year. Do I have days when I need to realign and recalibrate my thinking, and “flip the switch” multiple times throughout the day to avoid shutting down? Yes, of course. But I believe those days are just called life. This means that the idea that we can only have a “good” day when everything is easy and we have no challenges is not accurate. I have “flipped the switch” many times, and there were days when I literally had to “narrate myself” throughout the day because I seemed to encounter so many challenges, from big to small.
Why does this matter? It matters because if we are going to be people of excellence and inspire others to do the same, we must move beyond “phoning it in” and show up fully in all the things – whether we feel like it or not. Moving beyond our feelings and showing up as the best version of ourselves, moment to moment, will separate us from mediocrity.
Now, it is important to note that if you are reading this and are okay with leaving something in the tank and living an average life, you can do that without judgment. But if you felt something when you read that line, something that felt like dis-ease, then I invite you to explore where that feeling is coming from. Also, if you have ever felt jealous or envious when seeing others live their lives more fully – beyond just the highlight reels – I invite you to explore those emotions. I’m talking about the wins, losses, and learning that come from fully leaning into life. Is it possible that you do want to live an above-average to excellent life, and you have allowed yourself to settle because, well, it’s easier?
The only person who can ensure we are living the lives we want to live is the person who is reading this note. That said, today is a good day to check in with yourself and ask and honestly answer the question: Am I living the life I want to be living?
