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“Do your best” often creates pressure and self-criticism, while “Do what you can” brings calm and balance.

The Serenity Prayer teaches acceptance, courage, and wisdom — a powerful CBT message in simple form.

Telling a child “Do what you can” can turn a C grade into self-care instead of failure.

What is the difference between telling someone to “Do your best” and saying “Do what you can”? As a therapist, I can say that people—especially kids—often have very different reactions to these two seemingly similar statements. Some context and exploration of these ideas might help explain why.

Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs have some helpful mantras they recite at meetings. Many of them, however, are relevant far beyond addiction and offer thoughtful guidance for anyone experiencing mental health struggles or the everyday stresses of life. “One day at a time,” for example, can help people with anxiety and depression avoid becoming overwhelmed by a seemingly worrisome future. “Fake it ‘til you make it” likewise constructively reminds us that all change—even positive change—will feel phony and foreign until we grow accustomed to it. This phrase can be especially apt advice for........

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