David Allen recommends: "Not *be* the best--*do* your best" (RFA 57). In other words, optimization, not perfectionism. Optimization is always achievable; perfection, rarely. But striving for perfection--that's the key.

"Attempting to be the best can easily have struggle, ego and self-recrimination as baggage, with win-lose as a format. But doing your best is a dynamic, ever-changing experience that is possible anytime, by anyone." As hard as it is, I give myself permission to do my best rather than be the best--I have a hunch that I will be less stressed and more effective that way. And if I happen to be the best while I'm at it, that's gravy.