This morning, as I walked on the beach with my dog—a ritual I cherish, starting my day with meditation followed by a 1.5-hour brisk walk—I ran into a friend. She’s a remarkable single mom, balancing work, studies, and caring for her child. During our chat, she reflected on how little she was able to accomplish over the weekend, and I could sense the self-judgment in her words. Her child had been sick, disrupting her routine. It struck me how many of us have felt this way, burdened by our own expectations during times when our circumstances limit our capacity, yet we often expect ourselves to produce the same output.
I reminded her of a simple truth: giving your 100% isn’t always about the same output every day.
The Reality of Our Daily Capacities
We often hold ourselves to rigid standards, expecting consistent levels of productivity and achievement. But the truth is, we are not machines. We are human beings, each with unique experiences, emotions, and circumstances that affect our mental, emotional, and physical capacities.
Imagine a day when you’re feeling under the weather, perhaps due to a rough night’s sleep, worrying about a loved one in the hospital, or navigating a difficult personal situation. On days like these, your capacity may be only 40% of what you can typically offer. Yet, when you give that 40%, you have, in fact, given your 100%.
Understanding Our Human Nature
We must acknowledge that life isn’t the same every day, and neither are we. There will be days when we feel energized and ready to tackle the world, and days when simply getting out of bed feels like a victory. Fluctuations in our capacity are perfectly normal. Our emotions, health, and responsibilities all influence how much we can give.
On the days when you feel you only have 60%, and you give that 60%, remember that you are still giving your all. When we do the best we can with what we have, it is enough. We shouldn’t blame ourselves for not maintaining a constant output level; it’s crucial to give ourselves some slack to recognize our limitations, especially during challenging times.
A Shift in Perspective
Let’s shift our perspective. Instead of measuring our worth by productivity, let’s focus on doing our best each day. Every effort, no matter how small, counts. Each moment you choose to do your best—whether caring for a sick child, preparing for a client presentation, or just getting through the day—deserves recognition.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling inadequate, remember this: when you do your best with what you have, it’s enough. If you only have 50% in the tank and you give that, you’ve given your 100% for that day.
Allow yourself the space to breathe and be human. Let go of self-blame and trust in your journey. Focus on doing the best you can, and that’s what truly matters. The world needs your unique light, even on days when it feels dim. You are enough just as you are, every day.
