I once asked directions to a distant city, and was told it’s 120 miles down Highway 40. An hour later it occurred to me that I wasn’t sure which way down was. Sure enough, I was on the right road, but going the wrong way. Despite my intentions, I was destined to be disappointed with those results.
In junior high (middle school, I guess, for those who don’t remember when the Beatles were first on Ed Sullivan), m
y friend taught me to play chess. My dad gave me a beautiful chess set for Christmas and asked if I would teach him. I showed him the moves, and he beat me, twice. I taught my brother, and he beat me. The other day, I taught my 11-year-old daughter to play. She came within a couple of moves of beating me.
I know the moves, but I don’t play well. Chess is not what I’m good at, but it turns out – hey, I’m a pretty good teacher. That’s what I do best.
This question should be a continuous part of our self-analysis. Am I doing what I’m good at? Is what I’m doing today providing the best results for my company, for my family, for my future? Am I becoming great at what I do best?
Do your best always, but try to always do what you do best. You don’t want to be disappointed with your results.
