I recently told two people the following words of wisdom, in different contexts:

You'll do what you'll do. You can always do 2x more but you won't; you'll only do what you'll do. If you do more then that is what you'll do. You've done all that you would do. If you imagine every other way it could have gone, you're seeing another universe; you won't have what that person has. Appreciate what you have, and focus on your strengths.

It's a wisdom I taught myself to avoid burnout. It usually works.

@libreleah
I usually phrase it as if you've done your best, nobody can ask or expect more of you. Not yourself, nor anybody else.

@seindal Yeah but you need to be more precise than that. Sometimes what you've done isn't your best, but it's what you've done; it's what you would do. I suppose I have a more stolid view of the world?

A lot of other sayings are also wrong. For instance, "practise makes perfect" is false. I say "practise makes permanent".

@libreleah
My best is not an absolute. If I'm tired and worn out, my best will be less than if I'm rested and ready.