What Is Your Best?

“Always give your best!”

That is what my manager told me when I was a 17-year old restaurant busboy.

I loved my job, and every detail that I was expected to flawlessly deliver. Delivering bread and water to the table was a full-on production. Clearing plates from the table had to be done unobtrusively…and with honor.

But the detail that I loved the most was setting the table. I even brought a tape measure from home to make sure that every utensil, plate and cup were in perfect alignment.

Then one day, I wasn’t feeling motivated. I just wasn’t. And my work reflected it. The tables weren’t set well, and I was fully aware of that fact.

But, hey, one day of sub-par effort isn’t a big deal right?

Wrong.

My manager pulled me to the side, looked me in the eyes and said, “These tables are not set with the same caliber of excellence that I’ve come to expect from you.” Then he hit me with, “You’re a better man than this. ALWAYS give your best!”

Keep in mind that I was 17 at the time. My manager’s comment to me that day was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

I’m so grateful that he said those words to me on that day.

Now, let’s be clear. Giving your best is not always easy. When you’re tired, hungry or frustrated, your best will be different from when you are energized, full and focused.

In either extreme, giving your best is the greatest testimony you can give. Testimony? What do I mean by that?

You see, when you wake up each day, your shift begins. It doesn’t begin when you go to work. No, it begins when you get out of bed.

⭐️From that point on, EVERYTHING you do or say is a testament to your own brand. Your brand is your reputation. It’s your vibe. It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.

Let NO ONE be able to say that you give the bare minimum. Ever. Let no one be able to say that you are content with half way. It’s either all the way or no way.

Takeaway: Always. Give. Your. Best.

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