While a mantra may be a statement or rhythm that is repeated in meditation, it is basically a statement or phrase that is repeated frequently. For me, my personal mantras are not phrase I repeat over and over as much as phrases that have emerged from my core values and daily growth efforts. There are four specific ones that I will share over the course of the next four days. These are statements that have just become, over time, the natural punctuation to my morning journal writing. These are:
“Be your best today; be better tomorrow.”
“I am third.”
“To God be the glory.”
“Grace and peace.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
This statement is not new to the regular reader of this blog. Rarely does this not appear in a posting. Thus, it should be obvious that this has become a central theme in my life. (Remember, I am mostly writing to myself each day.) I need to remind myself of this each day as much as I need to instill the thought in the minds of my children.
This statement really emerged from the parenting of my son. As the reader knows, he is active in sports and, like most every 11-year-old boy, deals with his own insecurities and self-confidence. I am trying to teach him a work ethic. I have little expectation for him in sports other than for him to give 100% one-hundred percent of the time (and, honestly, if he exceeds 90% most of the time, I am content—it is the desire to give 100% that I am most after at this stage). And it has been my great pleasure to watch him grow in this area.
But, for me, I also need to be reminded to “give 100% one-hundred percent of the time”. I have had my share of frustrations in my work and struggles with motivation. Growth, however, has become a necessity in my life. The concept of “well-centered fitness” centers on movement toward an asymptote of growth Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. As I have often quoted Vince Lombardi: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” This is my desire, and, thus, “be your best today; be better tomorrow” is my mantra.
In my teaching, as well as my writing, parenting, relationships, etc., I want to be constantly improving—and, Lord knows, I have much room for improvement. In the process of growth, I don’t want to let up. While perfection is not possible, I must at least try. My students deserve my best. There is no “phoning it in”. I want to “leave it all in this room” when I conclude a lecture. From term-to-term, I want to be a better professor. The moment I lose this desire, my career is through.
Life necessitates growth. If we are not growing, we are dying. “Be your best today” does not ask one to “be the best today”. It only requires that we be our best. One’s best should be ever changing—getting better.
Now, of course, in many areas, our “best” today might not be the same as our “best” in the past. It is unrealistic to think that physically, for example, we might remain as fast or as strong or as fit as we were in our youthful years. This does not preclude one for being his or her “best today”. Opportunity and the aging process will impact this. (Though I would argue vehemently against the notion that age justifies our decline. While a level of physical decline is inevitable, we have much control over our rate of decline. It is a matter of desire—and, of course, “opportunity cost”.)
When it comes to our Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social dimensions, we must seek to “be our best today; be better tomorrow”. I hope I live this message, and pass it on to the lives I impact.
Carpe momento!