My dad, a man of unwavering wisdom and questionable jokes, likes to say, "‘Almost' is only good in horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war!"

Now, before you picture me growing up in a fallout shelter dodging weapons of mass destruction (though that would be a great memoir), his point was far less explosive: sometimes "almost" is enough, other times it's a participation trophy in the game of life.

Think about it…

Did your “almost got out of bed” help you reach your personal development goals today?

Did your "almost finished” presentation land you the job?

Did your “almost made it” last-second field goal attempt win the football game?

Nope. Nope. And nope.

In these scenarios, "almost" is the consolation prize, the pat on the back that says, "Nice try, but...not quite"

Now…maybe you are a fan of “almost” so hold on, don't despair just yet.

Remember the game of horseshoes? Getting close actually counts for points!

When the stakes are lower, when “close” is actually good, when progress is the goal, "almost" becomes a stepping stone, a "not quite yet" that fuels the fire for the next attempt.

So, the key to harnessing the power of "almost" lies in understanding the game you're playing. Are you aiming for a win-or-lose situation, or is the journey itself the reward? Knowing the rules can make "almost" your teammate, not your enemy.

So, the next time you find yourself teetering on the edge of "almost," take a breath and assess the situation.

Is this a “game of horseshoes moment,” a stepping stone, or a participation trophy in disguise?

Choose wisely, my friend, and remember, "almost" can be your biggest cheerleader or your worst critic. Play the game right, and it might just surprise you.

And to my dad, who is probably out walking his dog (hopefully you’re “almost home” and that this will motivate you to keep going — your comfy chair awaits), thanks for the life lesson, even if it came with a side of very questionable humor. 🙂