Choosing “Best” — And What That Really Means for Us

When we are given the choice between good, better, and best, most of us instinctively reach for best. We want the best schools for our children, the best doctors for our health, the best restaurants for a night out. We even have best friends! The list is endless.

But here is a question we do not ask often enough:
Are we at our best?

We tend to talk about “being at our best” like it is a rare, perfect moment—some ideal version of ourselves that we occasionally stumble into. But the truth is far more grounded: your best self is not flawless. It is the version of you that is aligned, present, steady, and able to take meaningful action. It is who you are when your strengths and values are fully awake and guiding the way.

On my own journey, I have learned that “being my best” is not a destination—it is a practice. There is no finish line to cross. Instead, it is about continual growth, self-development and just becoming a little better than I was the day before. And no, that does not mean running at 100% every day of the week (we would all burn out by Tuesday). It means making small, sustainable choices that move us forward. Notice I said, “becoming a little better than I was the day before”. I am not comparing myself and my journey to anyone else’s. We are all unique individuals with our own challenges.

How to Spend More of Your Life in Your “Best Self”

Your energy and your attitude are the engines of your success. If you want to hit challenging goals year after year, you must protect the things that fuel you: your health, your relationships, your mental space, your spirituality. When those are strong, your mind is free to do its most productive and creative work.

And that’s where self-care comes in.

The irony? When work gets busy, the very activities that enrich our lives—sleep, exercise, connection, hobbies, reflection—are the first things we cut. They do not come with instant metrics or a clear ROI, so they feel optional. But if you pay attention, you will start to notice how deeply these habits affect your energy, mood, and performance.

Why Self-Care Makes You Better at Work

Many of us have felt the pressure to choose between personal well-being and professional success. I spent years believing it had to be one or the other. It does not. Self-care does not compete with success—it powers it.

Here are three ways it does that:

1. More Energy, More Productivity
Your brain was never designed to grind nonstop. Studies show that after around 50 hours of work in a week, only about 37 hours are productive. Breaks matter. Rest matters.
When you work in focused blocks—with real, intentional downtime—you accomplish more. You work smarter, not longer.

2. More Creativity
Sleep, exercise, and even simple fun all improve brain function. When I prioritize these, my most creative ideas appear. Challenges feel less like walls and more like puzzles—because my mind is not running on fumes.

3. Burnout Protection
Overwork might feel noble, but it is not sustainable. You can sprint through a crisis, sure—but no one can sprint forever. Research shows that lack of sleep alone is a major predictor of burnout. Protecting your energy is not indulgent; it is strategic.

I make myself a priority every morning. I start the day with reflection and then off to the gym by 5AM. It sets the tone for my day, and I do not see self-care as selfish but as a tool to help me be at my best for myself and those I encounter. I am happier, friendlier, more grateful, more productive, a better listener, leader, and friend. I also feel healthier physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

A Moment of Reflection

As you look back on your week—and look ahead to a new year—ask yourself:

Have I built time into my life for the habits that help me show up as my best self?
If not, what small changes can I make now to prioritize the things that will ultimately help me achieve more?

Your best self is not a perfect you. It is a cared-for you.
And that is the version that thrives.

Take care of yourself and each other!

Best

Belonging