Have you ever questioned whether or not you put forth your best effort towards something? No? What about being concerned about if you handled a particular situation the best way possible? Still No? Okay. Well, how about worrying about how others perceive you? Or how you perceive yourself? At some point in time in life, everyone experiences those moments of hind-sight reflection, pondering if they were “good enough” or “at their best.” Even in times when you feel absolutely positive that you did everything you could, with the best of your abilities, there is still that small, inkling of a thought, “Could I have done just a little bit better?” There are 3 major areas in your life that can be constructive (promoting improvement or development) or destructive (tending to hurt or destroy) your efforts to be your best: your environment, your supporting cast, and your mind (yourself).
Environment – The most basic of environments would be physical places of being: a church, a bar, a school, a library, a club, a park, etc. Environments can affect your ability to be your best in that they can enhance, or hinder, anything you have set out to do or be. A college student preparing for a Final Exam will probably be best suited for studying in an environment that has minimal distractions. Studying in a library will probably be the best place, being that minimal noise and distraction is expected there. On the other hand, attempting to study in the campus game room would be counterproductive due to the high likelihood for numerous distractions. A man, in being the best husband/father he can be, would be best suited spending time with his wife and children in places such as their home, church, and other places for family leisure; whereas, spending his time in the local bar or strip club would be counterproductive towards his efforts, if there were any efforts at all.
Environments are not limited to physical places. Activities, relationships, and endeavors can, also, be “places” of being that can potentially bring out the best, or the worst, in you. Gossiping is an activity that exemplifies bad character, bringing out the worst in a person. Planning a robbery is and endeavor that does just the same. Being an abuser (of any sort) within a relationship, also exemplifies the worst of character; whereas, demonstrating traits such as care, concern, and consideration within a relationship can bring out the best in both parties.
Regardless of what environment you are in, your environment will have a constructive, or destructive, effect on your efforts in being the best you can. A husband who places himself in loving and close family environments will be rewarded with a happy and loving wife, foundational relationships with his children, and a great sense of self-worth, all of which are profound sources of motivation for him to be the best he can be. Spending time in the wrong environments can leave a husband feeling broken, lost, angry, embarrassed, ashamed, and ultimately divorced and separated from his children. The choice is yours. Be mindful of what you are doing and who you are being. Examine your environment(s). If they are destructive, then get out. Find a constructive environment for yourself. You’ll notice drastic improvements within yourself, your relationships, and the other parties within your relationships once you do so.
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