“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” –Steve Prefontaine

I will never allow myself to be someone that gives anything less than her best. Steven Prefontaine says it best, but what does it mean to truly give your best?

For the many things I cannot do in life, there is one thing I can always do: give my very best in everything I do. Giving my best means pushing myself past my limits while doing hill sprints or long runs. Giving my best means long hours of studying to get the grades I want. Giving my best means participating in as many ways as I can, because I know that I can make a difference. Giving my best is doing it all of the time, not only when others are watching or when I get credit for doing so.

Everybody’s best looks different, but you are the one who knows what your best is, and you are the one that truly knows when you’re not giving it. Even if you have an outstanding 3.5 GPA, going to that class you skipped a few times could have given you a 3.6. Studying a little harder for that one exam could’ve given you a 3.7. Participating in class could have given you a 3.8. Turning off the TV a little earlier to rest could have given you a 3.9. Getting extra help with your teacher could have given you a 4.0. And just like that, you are giving your very best. You are suddenly being your best self, doing things you never realized that you could do.

Giving your best is humbling and amazing. It makes you realize what you can do, and that even though it might seem crazy to others, it is possible. Giving your best makes you look at things a little differently. It means being positive when you want to complain, because complaining is not helping you to reach your goals. Giving your best is trying, even if you think you can’t do something, because you might just surprise yourself.

Giving your best is realizing that you used to run half a mile, and now you can run ten. Giving your best is deadlifting 250 lbs when you couldn’t even pick up the barbell when you first started. Giving your best sometimes consists of long, busy days and a few late nights. Giving your best is so worth it.

Your best is whatever it takes. It’s going that extra mile, because it’s never crowded. Whatever your 100% looks like, go out there and give it.