Get in the ring!

Once again, it is Nutcracker time at our house. I have one less dancer this year, but the life lessons just keep on coming.

Whatever you are preparing for, there comes a moment when time is up—this is the beauty of a hard deadline. There are no more practices, rehearsals, or study sessions. No more delays or excuses. The only thing in front of you is an opportunity.

It is so easy to convince ourselves that what we really need is one more class…one more run-through…one more anything.

I hate to burst this bubble (not really), but it’s not true.

Assuming you have practiced and prepared the best you could, those hard deadlines offer you a chance to get in the ring, and JUST DO IT.

Can I let you in on a great secret? It’s one that most teenagers and young adults don’t understand. Here it is:

Doing your best doesn’t mean being perfect. Again, doing your best DOESN’T mean perfection. But giving it your all—even when that ends up being pretty good, satisfactory, or just okay—is still WONDERFUL!

Please read that again and etch it on your heart, never to be forgotten.

So when your deadline comes, and that opportunity is right in front of you…

Take it.

Get in the ring.

Do your very best, whatever that may look like today.

I promise, it’s good enough. The only one who needs convincing…is YOU.