Recently I read an article about a woman who was called into her boss’s office for her workplace review. Although she was doing a fine job, it was apparent to her supervisors that she was not giving her best effort and could do better.
Later she commented to a colleague that she’d happily make more of an effort, IF it would guarantee her a raise and promotion.
Not sure about you, but to me her approach seems like a sure fire way to miss out on a raise or a promotion!
This attitude is equal to a person saying, “I’m not going to give my best in this relationship, unless I’m guaranteed the other person won’t leave.” Or, “I’m not going to run my fastest or play my best on the sports field, unless I’m guaranteed I’ll win a medal or a trophy.”
The reality is; unless we show up and give our best, then it’s certain we are not going to achieve excellent results; nor will we impress anyone, including our self.
How often in our lives do we play small, hold back or give less than we are truly capable of?
As much as it may appear that our withholding is due to laziness or lack of care, I think a greater limitation is due to fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change, fear of the unknown or fear of stretching ourselves, without guarantees on what that effort will bring us.
Of course, there is risk involved in stretching ourselves or putting our best foot forward…but guess what? There is also risk in not giving it your all.
Not to mention, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Years ago, I lived in and travelled throughout India. During the Christmas holidays I had a chance to volunteer in Mother Theresa’s Missionary in Calcutta. Although she had passed away a couple of years before I arrived, her energy was very present.
Mother Theresa was a selfless woman who gave it her all. Her life was dedicated to supporting the sick, suffering and underprivileged people of society. Because of her impact, she was the recipient of numerous honours, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and in 2003, she was beatified as “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta”.
There are many Mother Theresa phrases that continue to be quoted around the world.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the following poem that was attributed to her name;
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
The message is loud and clear, there are no guarantees, just give it your all anyway.
In some cases however, there are individuals who are trying extremely hard to make positive and healthy changes in their lives, but it’s just not happening, regardless of the amount of effort they put forth.
This saddens me when I see this happening as I recognize that the person is likely caught in a vicious cycle, habit or loop that’s too subjective or ingrained to get out of easily.
In some cases, professional assistance may be required. In many other situations it’s simply about acquiring the proper resources and tools that will support fundamental change.
This is why I love teaching Brain Gym® & Brain Fitness in schools, workplaces and community groups. It gives people the awareness and effective tools to grow new connections and move in a healthy and positive direction.
I am constantly expanding my education and adding tools to my repertoire that stem from my personal interests/needs and add value to my professional offerings. I would not share something that I do not use or believe in myself.
This past weekend I took part in Rhythmic Movement Training. It’s in sync with my passion for using movement strategically as a source of not only exercise, fun and stress reduction, but also for physical, emotional, mental and functional health improvements.
Rhythmic Movements are simple but profound as they addresses developmental reflexes that would ideally be integrated in our early childhood, but in many cases got missed or became stuck. This causes a whole gamut of potential issues, ranging from anxiety, sleep disorders, structural and functional limitations, to addictions, learning blocks and behavioural issues.
Using tools like RMT, and complimentary practises like Brain Gym® and Brain Fitness, can be life changing for anyone, of any age who uses them.
Once our body and mind is integrated and retained reflexes (which cause us to be reactive, rather than responsive) are no longer running the show, magical growth occurs!
In the meantime, so much can happen just by making the decision to give it your all!
Happy Holidays, Jill