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The Guided Change Coach
May 222 min read

Embracing Balance: Doing Your Best Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

In life's ever-changing rhythm, "doing our best" isn't a fixed standard—it adapts with our circumstances, energy, and needs. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in Don Miguel Ruiz's principle of "Doing Your Best," which recognizes that our best varies from day to day, influenced by myriad factors including our health, emotions, and workload.


Let me share a personal story that illustrates this fluidity. On a typical off-day, like a Friday, my activities can vary widely. There was one Friday where, fueled by a surge of energy, I woke at 5 a.m. and by 10 a.m., I had cleaned the house, done three loads of laundry, shopped for groceries, and even got my car cleaned—a morning brimming with productivity and adult responsibilities.


Yet, on another Friday, the scenario was starkly different. I chose to sleep in, and the day's peak activity was shifting positions on the couch as I binge-watched TV shows. Far from the whirlwind of chores, this day was about resting, recharging, and simply being.





Neither of these days can be labeled as 'good' or 'bad.' Each served a crucial purpose. The first was about tapping into my energy to tick off tasks and clear my mental space for the days ahead. The second was equally important—allowing my body and mind to rest and rejuvenate, essential for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being.


This is where another of Ruiz’s agreements, "Being Impeccable with Your Word," plays a pivotal role. It’s about being truthful and kind to ourselves about what we genuinely need at any given moment. It means recognizing when it’s time to push through and 'adult'—and when it’s necessary to listen to our bodies' plea for a break.


Thus, in practicing these agreements, we learn to navigate our lives with honesty and flexibility, understanding that doing our best includes balancing our activities with adequate rest. It’s about making peace with the ebb and flow of our capacities and desires, ensuring that we live not just effectively, but wholesomely.


Life demands balance. By honoring both our productive surges and our quieter, introspective periods, we live more fully. Being impeccable with our word to ourselves helps us discern what we truly need each day, enabling us to maintain this balance thoughtfully and lovingly. Whether we're conquering task lists or indulging in a well-deserved rest, we are always doing our best.


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