Achieving your best is a personal thing. In the same way that success for you really should be defined by your lifestyle, family, financial and other goals – rather than what society says success “should” be – being “your best” works the same way. And from a work perspective this applies whether we are considering being your best in your business or someone else’s business.

We know that measuring success simply by material possessions isn’t very holistic. Clearly there are other very personal things like health, happiness, peace and love that count as much or more.

And if we fall into the trap of defining “achieving your best” as how close we can get to being the “perfect” man or woman” i.e. being the perfect provider, parent, carer, partner, friend or even global change agent, we go down the same slippery slope of unrealistic standards and expectations (cue Superman or Superwoman Syndrome).

So what is the secret to achieving your best when it is so different for everyone? I think Leonardo da Vinci was on to something when he said “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.”

In every person is planted the seed and the capability to make a difference. This seed is your purpose, mission, calling, genius or life’s work…  And when you say yes to your calling and start taking the appropriate action, you attract the resources so you can keep doing it.

There is a revolution happening right now – the “Greed is Good” mantra of Gordon Gecko is now very hollow. There is a definite shift in global consciousness and awareness - away from greed, win/lose competition and accumulating for accumulation’s sake towards authenticity, integrity, compassion, connection and being of service. Everyone is part of this shift, some more conscious of it than others.

Within this context work stops being “work” and becomes simply the way you want to spend your time. It inspires you, gets you up earlier and keeps you up later because it revolves around your personal values and aspirations. It also tends to be the place where you exhibit your genius. It frees you up to work on the areas of weakness that are holding you back and it also helps you play to your strengths so you can work in your sweet spot - to get into flow. This is the place where you can achieve your best.

And working at your heart’s desire, at the best you have to give, will often be your greatest source of profitability - financial, emotional and spiritual. How much more personal can you get?

Here are my Top 3 specific strategies to be your best:

1. Resist the urge to be a “Superperson” and trying to live up to someone else’s unrealistic standards. 
2. Keep a holistic attitude about being your best and about success. It’s all very personal. If in doubt, see #1 again.
3. Invest in your growth. Get a mentor/coach/advisor, ideally someone who understands you but is also different from you. Also look for people who are further down the same track that you can learn from, model and be inspired by. Remember, the definition of a blind spot is that you can’t see it! Having someone to show you the way really helps.