The Power of Giving 100%: Finding Meaning and Resilience in Everyday Moments

Giving 100% is your insurance policy when things don’t go your way. Please allow me to explain.

In recent years, the concept of giving 100% has resonated deeply with me, especially since my divorce. It’s made me deeply aware of not just what I do, but how much of myself I invest in it — physically and mentally.

This newfound consciousness became even more vital when my time with my daughters was literally cut in half due to a 50/50 shared custody. It forced me to not just take advantage of the days I had with them but to cherish every single moment. In retrospect, my relationship with them is more meaningful now than when I was married and spent every day with them.

We often overlook the significance of small, daily activities, focusing instead on major events or triggers. Yet, there’s immense value in zooming in on these trivial moments, understanding how they shape our lives and give them meaning.

Nowadays, a simple car ride with my daughters or a drop-off pick-up has gained a whole new meaning and has become an opportunity to bond and connect rather than a chore. Quiet dinners together and game nights are at the top of my priority list and something I look forward to.

Why is it crucial to pay attention to these moments? Firstly, it significantly increases our chances of achieving our goals. Additionally, when faced with setbacks, this awareness allows us to move on more swiftly and easily by acknowledging our actions.

During my time with my daughters, questions like, ‘How is this moment contributing to our relationship?’ and ‘Is this the best use of our time right now?’ frequently arise. Asking these questions not only helps me make better choices but also brings to light the choices I’ve already made.

We make countless decisions every day, both good and bad. However, without awareness, we can’t take credit for the good ones or correct the bad ones. This emphasizes the importance of giving 100% to everything, whether personal or professional. While being conscious of our achievements and positive choices boosts confidence, what are the benefits of being aware of our performance when things don’t go as planned?

Closure, a crucial element in moving forward and healing from setbacks, is provided. Being aware of giving 100% and knowing that we couldn’t done anything more to change the outcome will bring us closure when we face setbacks and help us move forward.

For example, in relationships, giving 100% doesn’t shield us from heartbreak, but it does provide closure. It reinforces that we’ve given our all, leaving no room for doubt or regret, simultaneously preventing us from getting back together with someone who’s not right for us. Similarly, in professional endeavors, giving everything we have allows us to accept outcomes, knowing we’ve done our best.

This mindset proved to be very useful when I lost matches during my wrestling career and to get everything out of my training sessions. You can’t correct what you don’t know and take advantage of the skills you don’t acknowledge.

Practice this strategy by bringing yourself into the moment with these three meaningful questions: ‘How is my current action bringing me closer to my goals?’ ‘Is my environment helping me move forward or holding me back?’ ‘Am I giving everything to my goals?’

Ultimately, giving 100% requires mindfulness — being fully present in each moment. It’s about investing ourselves completely, leaving no room for what-ifs or regrets. Embracing this mindset empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.