Do you ever have those days where being the best you can be is just a little too much? It seemed like a good resolution or intention at the time, but now you’ve got too much shit to do to be your best. How about better? Could you just be better than the status quo, whatever that is for you?

I actually got this idea from Beth Dotolo, an Interior Designer in Dallas, who has a site called Hello, Splendor. She wrote in her New Year’s Day post that instead of making a resolution, she would just try to be better. I thought it was brilliant in its simplicity and have been thinking about it ever since.

In yoga today, I was in a pose that I hate and sometimes when I’m really tired, like I was today, I make a half-assed attempt. But, today I thought that I would do better than half-assed and give it my all, in spite of how uncomfortable I find it.

Then, as I was deep breathing and trying to let go of my thoughts, I kept thinking of how doable it is in our daily lives to just be better.

• Instead of rushing off the phone with your friend who is venting about her boyfriend, yet again, take a deep breath and sit back to really listen to her. Be a better friend.

• Even if it’s raining out, be a better citizen and let the old lady have the closer parking space.

• If you’re deciding whether to go to the gym after work, decide to be better and go, even though you’d rather go home.

• If you don’t feel like calling your Mom, be a better daughter and call her.

You get the idea. You don’t have to get in to medical school or sell your book idea to a publisher today. Just be better. You’ll be one step closer to your best.