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Health and Wellness

What It Really Means to 'Give Your Best'

And Why You Shouldn't Give Anything Less

Sienna Smith

Nov 21, 2016

Holy Family University

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What It Really Means to 'Give Your Best'

The Real XC

“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.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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What It Really Means to 'Give Your Best'

And Why You Shouldn't Give Anything Less

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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