We might as well win.

I just read, “We Might as Well Win,” by Johan Bruyneel, the managing director for US Postal (later Discovery) cycling team. He produced 8 Tour de France wins: 7 with Lance Armstrong and 1 with Alberto Contador. He is the most successful coach in any sport.

The whole point of the book is: If you are going to expend the energy and effort to participate, you might as well give whatever else it takes to win.

There’s a saying in cycling: “50% of winning is just showing up. The other 50% is crossing the finish line first.” That other 50% isn’t just coasting, though. There is preparation, research, conditioning, hard work, and determination.

That really struck a chord with me. I have encountered many people who just trudge through life giving only minimal effort. They dread every day and live for the weekend. I think that that is a horrible way to go through life.

I am so fortunate to have a career doing what I love. I enjoy learning more about my career, applying those things I learn, and then seeing what works and what makes me better. I enjoy the challenge that comes with trying to be the best. I’m never happy with myself if I just give the minimum effort.

Whether you are writing a song, coaching your kids’ soccer team, or working on a project for your job or school, you might as well give all that it takes to be the best.

We might as well win.