Thinking about Jordan Burrough’s loss to Kyle Drake in the finals of the USA Olympic Wresting Trials, one has to question how it is possible to “be your best today; be better tomorrow.” The reality is that we can always be “the best”. We age and often have to yield the title of “best” to another. Another reality is that few are ever “the best.” Few are ever elite. Above are, we are multi-dimension beings. We have room to grow “well-centered” Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. Chances are that, if we were “best” at something, we sacrificed in some other dimension of our life (albeit for the truly “greats” only minimally).
Elite athletes put tremendous physical demands on their bodies. Training and competition takes its toll. The physical demands, however, are very specific. As such, other dimensions of physical fitness may receive as much attention. Retiring from competition (and I am not expecting Jordan Burroughs to leave his shoes on the mat anytime soon) generally means a shift in training. This creates an opportunity to better the dimensions that have received less attention.
For most of us, there remains quite a bit of room to improve. Physically, as well as the other dimensions of well-centered fitness, “better” may fall into a category of maintenance or an overall separation from our peers. As we focus on being better, despite a loss of adaptive capabilities (as with aging), we can avoid the principle of “reversibility” (i.e., “use it or lose it”). Moreover, most of us can continue to make gains as we have never quite reached of potential.
Whatever the dimension (Spiritual, Intellectual, Emotional, or Social, as well as Physical), we should always strive for today’s best and tomorrow’s better. Today’s “best” is wholistic. It is to seek greater balance and well-centeredness. Consider the potential and don’t limit your opportunities.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!