When Doing Your Best Means Doing Less

Nowadays, thanks to the harsh expectations of social media, we’re expected to do everything and anything. And if we don’t, we’re simply not doing our best.

If we’re not working until midnight, then we’re not doing our best.

If we’re not bragging about how much we’re working, then we’re not doing our best.

If we don’t love our jobs every single day, then we’re not doing our best.

If we’re not working out six days a week, then we’re not doing our best.

If our house isn’t pristine clean, then we’re not doing our best.

If we worry a little bit too much, then we’re not doing our best.

If we don’t eat enough fruit and veg, then we’re not doing our best.

If we don’t balance our work/social life, then we’re not doing our best.

Over the last couple of weeks months, I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t let social media’s expectations of ‘how much I should be doing’ get to me. Two years ago I would have given everything 125% and worked myself to the ground. I juggled a full-time job, a (pretty much) full-time blog, I posted to Instagram 2-3 times a day (damn that was exhausting), I worked every weekend, I said yes to everyone and everything and I grilled myself with fitness. Truth be told, I was a perfectionist. And when it came to my lifestyle, if I wasn’t doing everything I could be doing, then I wasn’t doing my best. That’s how I saw it, anyway.

Since then, I’ve come pretty far to balance my lifestyle. I no longer feel the pressure to workout six days a week. I no longer feel the pressure to work every hour of the day. I no longer feel the pressure to post my entire life to social media, and I no longer feel the pressure of social media’s expectations. Instead, when I re-focus on my purpose and bring myself back to reality, I realize it’s okay. Doing less is okay.

You see, too many of us place a huge demand on ourselves because of the things we see on social media. We feel pressured to keep up with the Joneses and because of this, we place unnecessary pressure on ourselves to be better than our best. But what if we can’t live like the Joneses?

When it comes down to being your best, it’s unique to all. Your best is not anyone else’s best; your best is different. It’s not based on the actions and goals of others, nor is it based on their success and passion. All the things that drive other people to do their very best are driven by a completely different background than yours. What they might see as their best, may be your least best. What you might see as your best, may be exceeding their best. No outcome is right or wrong. Each outcome is unique.

Your best is different every single day. Your best is what brings you happiness, balance and control. Your actions and attitude define your best ideal; it’s believing that today, you are doing the best you can and that tomorrow, your best might be more or less. No day is right or wrong. It’s what your capable of in the moment.

There have been times over the last couple of months when I’ve questioned my efforts. How much I’m doing, how much I’m giving it my best and how much more I ‘should be doing’. But the truth of the matter is, if giving my very best brings me anything less than happiness, I don’t believe it’s worth it. Sure, sometimes we have to push the extra mile to get the job done, but living a life consistently this way, doesn’t mean that you’re doing your best – you’re simply living someone else’s best life.

So how do you do it? How do you sink back to reality and balance your life with peace and content? You do less. You stop living up to social media’s expectations, you stop comparing your life to other’s and instead, you start doing your best by doing less.

For me, when it comes to doing less, this means creating realistic goals and sticking to my bare essential daily habits (the things that make me, me).

Bare essential daily habits

• Fast for at least 12 hours
• Stay hydrated
• Take my vitamins
• Write a social post for the day (if inspired)
• Tick off my to-do list
• Train for at least 30 minutes
• Get outside (wearing Under Armour from The Sports Edit)
• Cook at least one meal from scratch

So whilst it may not sound much, those are my bare essential daily habits. The things I aim for every day. The things I know I can perform at my best. Not your best. Mine. Anything else is an added bonus. Because let’s face it, we’ve all had weeks where we’ve filled our plates with too much work, exhausted our minds, drilled our bodies with endless cardio and haven’t been able to perform at our best. But by doing less we’re able to re-focus, adjust our attitude and accept that sometimes doing our best, means doing less.

During the Easter weekend, I was able to take some time out. Re-focus my mind on what’s important. Perform my bare essential daily habits. Live by nobody’s expectations but mine. Get outside. Laugh. Soak in the sun and explore. Less = more.

So next time you’re feeling as if the world’s sitting on your shoulders and you’re no longer performing at your best, sit back, take a deep breathe and start over again tomorrow. Aim to achieve only your ‘bare essential daily habits’ for the day. Learn to unwind. Take control of what your current ‘best’ self is and accept that you’re only human. We all pause at some point.

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This post is sponsored by The Sports Edit.

In true H&F style – and because I’ve already been asked about my outfit in the bluebell photos on Instagram – you can find a mini review on my outfit below.

You’ll know from my previous post, How The Right Clothing Affects Your Training, that I’m a huge fan of The Sports Edit. And because I love trying a variety of different brands, this is my number one place go when looking for new gym gear!

So a few weeks ago, when I was picking myself a swanky new outfit from The Sports Edit website, I was immediately drawn to Under Armour’s hottest new picks. So much so, I ordered the entire outfit! I’ll blame the gorgeous colour.

Under Armour Vest – Vanish Tank Blue

Ever since I fell in love with Under Armours Accelerate Tank 2.0, I’ve worn it every week since. Pretty impressive for over a year, huh? Therefore, I had no doubt that Under Armour’s new Vanish Tank would soon become another little gem in my gym collection.

This vest boasts a sleek, elevated and simplistic look and with a statement cut-out in the back (which I love, by the way). This is a tank top that’s certainly going to give you a few compliments, that’s for sure. Thanks to the 4-way stretch construction of the tank – and the fact that it has a sweat-wicking fabric – it’s committed to keeping you moist-free due to its UA microthread technology. Perfect for a very sweaty gal like me.

Under Armour Leggings – HeatGear® Armour Edgelit Ankle Crop – Grey/Blue

Despite being a big fan of Under Armour, these are (funnily enough) my first pair of Under Armour leggings. And boy oh boy, have I been missing out!

I’m a sucker for a good ol‘ pair of high waisted leggings and although ankle crop isn’t my usual style, I adore these leggings. They’re lightweight, flattering, boast a gorgeous grey and blue colour and are super comfortable for the gym. Thanks to their 4-way stretch innovation, the wide and flat waistband gently hugs you in at the hips.

Because I ordered the entire outfit the model was wearing on the website, these two picks are a match made in heaven. Believe me.

Reebok Nano 8

I’ve had my Nano 8’s for well over a year now and they’re still one of my favourite trainers to date. Believe me, I have a lot of trainers. Although I orginally bought them for CrossFit, I still wear them for regular gym sessions. Thanks to their flat sole, they’re perfect to lift in.

The Reebok Nano’s 8.0 (I also got these from The Sports Edit. You can get a pair here) are the latest Nano’s of the iconic series and combine the proven performance characteristics of the previous Nanos with an improved fit, through a new heel bootie construction and the addition of a compression moulded EVA midsole and sockliner. This new design helps to hold your foot in place whilst lifting, without losing any responsiveness. In my opinion, the Nano 8 is incredibly durable yet stable and lightweight. Reebok also managed to come up with a cleaner silhouette for the 8, with a stripped back, functional, yet stylish design. Dreamy.