How do you become “the best” at something?

First, let me clarify what I mean by best. I don’t mean “better than everyone else.” That’s not even a reasonable goal in most cases. And even if you are the best at something, claiming that title isn’t humble, and a lack of humility is unattractive. However, we can strive to be “the best we can be.”

Here are a few tips for becoming “the best”:

1. Find something you love and feel passionate about, and focus on that one thing. Learn all you can about it—and don’t stop learning. Hang around with people you consider to be “the best” (hang out physically, in person, and/or virtually, via e-mail and social media) and glean all you can from them. Then go for it!

2. Experience that “one thing” from the other side of the fence. If you want to be a great editor, hire someone to edit your own writing. Want to be a great writer? Become an avid reader. Continue doing this even after you’ve achieved a level of “success.”

3. Don’t let that “one thing” become an obsession to the exclusion of other important things and people, like God and family and friends. Make room in your schedule for relaxation, exercise, and fun.

4. On the other hand, don’t let yourself get spread too thin. When you love something, it’s easy to overdo. When you love lots of things, it’s easy to overextend and burn out. Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to be doing at this moment in your life. There are lots of “good” things you could do, things you are certainly qualified to do. But you can’t do it all. If you’re feeling stressed out and overworked, you may have to let some things go to make room for those things God wants you to be doing right now. Transitions are tough. But you can’t be “the best” at what God has called you to do if you’re doing too many other things.

5. Trust God with your reputation. Scripture says that the last will be first and the first last. That those who seek the high places of honor will be humbled and those who serve others will become great in God’s kingdom. I believe that applies to a lot of things we do on earth too. If we humbly serve others, without expectation of recognition or praise, our loving heavenly Father will let people know how wonderful we are. We won’t have to brag about ourselves.

In what areas of your life do you want to be “the best”?

What ideas do you have for becoming “the best”?

Kathy Ide is a published author/ghostwriter, editor/mentor, and writers’ conference speaker. In addition to being the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, she is the editor/compiler for the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. Kathy is the founder and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.com). To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com.