While driving a couple of days ago, I thought about the saying, “Always try your best.” I have no idea where it came from, and I’m aware of how basic and cliche the quote is, but the more I thought about it, the more fascinated I became with the outcomes of trying your best.
I came up with four best-case scenario results from trying your best based on your skill level, from being a skilled expert at something to being absolutely terrible at it. Obviously, trying your best means giving something your all, and it requires the highest level of interest and dedication. What trying your best doesn’t require is skill or natural ability.
Here are four outcomes of trying your best based on your skill level:
- Amazing
The only thing that could stand in your way is yourself, although some people are so talented that they barely have to try. This is a one in a million scenario, so don’t rely on being so good that you don’t even have to try in order to be the best at what you do.
- Good
If you are good and give something your very best, you will rise above most, including those far more talented who are relying on their talents instead of working harder than everyone else.
- Mediocre/Average
John finished fourth and won over $2 million. Several poker professionals applauded Hesp, not only for his play, but for being good for the game. People who rise above what should be their ceiling (the limit of their potential) help others realize what’s possible if you try your best.
- Terrible
When your best isn’t good enough, it could just be bad enough to help you become overwhelmingly successful. Although you may not want to be known for doing something “so bad it’s good,” there is a place for these people in the world and in our hearts. There is no industry like entertainment and showbiz for the talentless trying their best and becoming known throughout the world. The otherwise unspectacular William Hung, Tommy Wiseau, Rebecca Black, and countless others have built fan bases from being bad at what they love doing, and who knows, maybe you can too.
So, while not everyone can be successful, everyone has a shot at it. Give your very best, and there’s no telling what will happen. Even if you’re bad, you might succeed just from trying.