I heard a quote the other day that quite literally stopped me in my tracks:

If you skimmed that quickly, go back and re-read it. No, really — do!  

I'd like to think that, yes, it's my true desire to become "everything I am capable of becoming," but the thought has never crossed my mind that each and every minute I have a Luke Skywalker/ Darth Vader type battle going on in my subconscious to make it happen! 

Yet, when I really pause to reflect, I can see that it's absolutely true — and worse, Luke doesn't win every conflict! 

Let's take a moment to consider some possible battles that Mr. Tracy suggests we are either winning or losing:

• When your "opportunity clock" goes off in the morning, do you get up out of bed to get started right away, or do you hit snooze and stay under the covers until the last possible moment? 
   
• At breakfast time, do you make the effort to prepare and eat what would generally be considered a healthy balance of protein, complex carbs, and fats? Maybe instead you opt for the quick, highly-processed, highly-refined carbs that will spike your blood sugar then leave you dragging? Or do you skip breakfast altogether? 
   
• When you're driving to work, or taking the kids to school, are you using that time to listen to positive, uplifting, inspirational, and even educational audio? (I'm talking about podcasts, audiobooks, or family-friendly music on the radio.) Or are you listening to crude talk radio shows, angry "news" programs, or music of questionable taste? 
   
• Do you prioritize your work time to get busy with the most important tasks first?  Or would you more likely be found in the break room refilling your coffee, chatting with colleagues, or even surfing through your social media? 
   
• Do you regularly do a little more than is expected of you, going the extra mile? 
   
• Do you keep your lunch breaks within the alotted time, or do you fudge the parameters a bit?  And again, are you making healthy choices for lunch?
   
• Do you stick to a regular daily exercise regimen, even when you don't feel like it? 
   
• Do you end each work day by making a written plan for the next day's priorities? 
   
• When you're home, do you allow yourself to be fully present for your family without technology distractions?
   
• Do you eat a healthy dinner with your family most nights of the week?
   
• In your quiet, evening downtime, what are you putting into your mind?  Are you watching mindless TV shows?  Or the talking heads shouting at each other on the news? Are you surfing social media?  Or are you choosing to read something to either educate or entertain yourself?

We're all human, so we're all a work in progress.  I doubt anyone reflecting on the above daily battles can say, "Yes, I win every one, every time."  I know I can't!

But here's the thing:  some days, I do win.  And I bet you do, too! 

On those days, isn't it awesome to know that we've taken steps toward becoming the best version of ourselves?  After all, that's the ultimate goal!

And if today you slip up, there's always tomorrow, and you can try again.

Well, er, that is ... unless you believe Yoda:  

Do, or do not.  There is no try.