I am currently reading Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence, and the way my mind works, whenever I read, hear, or see something that triggers a thought, I have to write it down. It’s like my brain, imagination, and creativity go crazy with an idea, concept, or principle that ties into my Living Strong philosophy. This book is doing this to me!
What resonates with me about Inner Excellence isn’t just its focus on peak performance but the way it speaks to the mindset behind true mastery. It’s not about external achievements; it’s about cultivating the inner strength and discipline to show up as your best self, every day. Murphy’s words remind me that excellence isn’t something you reach—it’s something you live. One of the core lessons that stood out to me, and that I’ve woven into my own Living Strong philosophy, is his concept of the Three “Bests”:
- Being the Best.
- Being Your Best.
- Your Best Shot.
At first glance, these principles seem simple. But, like the layers of a well-worn martial arts belt, the deeper you go, the more wisdom you uncover. As a martial arts educator, mentor, and community leader, I’ve seen firsthand how these three principles create a foundation for excellence—not just in training but in how we live, lead, and serve. Let’s break them down and see how they align with the Living Strong way.
1. Being the Best – Striving for Excellence
Murphy’s first “Best” is about aiming high—setting the standard for yourself and pursuing excellence in all areas of life. It’s about believing in your ability to rise above challenges and reach new heights. But “being the best” isn’t about beating others; it’s about being relentless in your pursuit of mastery.
In martial arts, I teach my students that “being the best” isn’t about trophies or belts—it’s about consistently raising their own bar. It means:
- Pushing beyond self-imposed limits.
- Holding themselves accountable to high standards.
- Recognizing that growth is a continuous process.
For parents and community leaders, “being the best” means showing up for those who look to you for guidance. It’s leading by example, making decisions with integrity, and being the kind of role model that others aspire to be. In Living Strong, we don’t settle—we strive for something greater, for ourselves and those around us.
2. Being Your Best – Owning Your Journey
If “being the best” is about striving for external excellence, “being your best” is about internal mastery. It’s about knowing yourself, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and being the best version of who you are meant to be.
Murphy emphasizes that success isn’t about comparing yourself to others—it’s about maximizing your own potential. This aligns perfectly with what I teach in my classes:
- Everyone’s journey is different, and no two paths look the same.
- True confidence comes from self-awareness and self-acceptance.
- Growth comes from being fully engaged in every moment, whether in training or in life.
For students, this means showing up with the right mindset, focusing on personal progress rather than competition. For parents, this means recognizing that parenting is a unique journey—there’s no “perfect” parent, only a committed one. In our community, it means embracing individual strengths while working together for the greater good. Living Strong is about being authentic, being honest, and being your best, not someone else’s.
3. Your Best Shot – Taking Action with Courage
The final “Best” is about execution—about stepping up when it matters most and giving your absolute all. Murphy teaches that every opportunity is a chance to take your best shot, and whether you win or lose, what matters most is that you went all in.
In martial arts, I encourage my students to take their best shot every time they step onto the mat. This means:
- Committing fully to their technique, mindset, and training.
- Not hesitating out of fear of failure.
- Understanding that success isn’t about never falling—it’s about always getting back up.
For parents, this means making the best decisions they can with the knowledge and resources they have. It’s about embracing the challenge of raising strong, confident children and taking action even when the path isn’t clear. For the broader community, it means seizing opportunities to make a difference—whether through mentorship, service, or leadership.
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. Whether in competition, parenting, or personal growth, your best shot is the one you take right now, with everything you’ve got.
Living Strong with the Three Bests
Jim Murphy’s Three Bests are not just performance strategies—they are a way of life. When you commit to:
- Being the best by striving for excellence,
- Being your best by embracing your unique journey,
- Taking your best shot by acting with courage,
you create a legacy of strength, service, and excellence.
This is the foundation of Living Strong. It’s the heart of what I teach in martial arts, and it’s the message I want to leave with my students, my peers, and my community. No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or leading others through their own battles—the Three Bests can guide you to a life of meaning and mastery.
So, the next time you face a challenge, ask yourself:
- Am I striving to be the best I can be?
- Am I being my best self, true to my values and growth?
- Am I taking my best shot, fully committed to the moment?
That’s the way of the warrior. That’s the way of Living Strong.
