When I was growing up, my parents always told me that if I’m going to rake leaves, then I better be the best leaf raker around. July 26 is All or Nothing Day, a day dedicated to encouraging everyone to give their all in everything they set their mind to, whether it’s for their career, relationships, or dreams. After all, when we give everything our best, our best can only get better!
From a young age, I’ve put 100% in all that I do. I’m that guy, and I’ve always been that guy. If I set my mind to something, I need to do it to the best of my ability. I really don’t know any other way.
But what does doing your best really mean? It means living out each moment to its fullest potential. It’s not about meeting expectations or crushing goals that you set for yourself. It goes far beyond success and failure and delves into pouring all of your energy into life’s events.
This is something that I’m constantly working to instill in my kids just as my parents did. I don’t allow them to do things halfway. If they choose to do something, they are sticking with it and giving their all. There is no sense in starting something and not giving 100%. It’s all or nothing. There is much value in living your life with this attitude. I think it builds good character and breeds success!
Many times, I’ve noticed that people I encounter base their decisions on whether or not to do something on how much work needs to go into it. If it requires minimum effort, it’s a winner in the eyes of many. But that shouldn’t be the case. That should never come into play. Instead, we as humans should always choose to do things that we enjoy, challenge us, push us out of our comfort zones, and urge us to be better versions of ourselves.
When I cut the grass, weed, talk to customers, cook, get things done at work, or spend time with my family, I put in my largest effort. While I’m certainly far from perfect, I am proud to say that I don’t take shortcuts, and I always put my best foot forward. I wish that every person looked at life with the same perspective. Whether you’re working for an employer, studying for a test, taking care of a loved one, or working on fulfilling a goal, there’s no other way to get it done than to give it your all! It truly is all or nothing!