I know you, like I, have heard this term many times before and you, like I, have your own perception of its meaning. I think it’s just another way of saying “give it your all” or “put your best foot forward”.
For me, bringing your “A” game speaks to not only showing up at your best, but showing up consistently and prepared. To do everything in excellence was something that was taught and stressed to me at a very early age along with never ceasing to be your best self. Now some have argued that it gave me a bit of that disease called perfectionism. I disagree. If I suffer from perfectionism that would mean that I first have to believe that I can achieve perfection. I can’t, and I don’t. No one can. We are all human and as such we will inevitably fail and fall short at and in everything. Each day I strive to be excellent in how I present myself to the world, inwardly and outwardly. As for the inward parts, while I believe that in whatever state I’m in that I am enough, flaws and shortcomings in my personality or character, I humbly take on the work to be better and do better. As the women in my family always said: “Pretty is as pretty does, and pretty can be pretty ugly sometimes.” And as for the outward… since people tend to dwell on what they see, there has always been much more emphasis put on the outer.
As a mentor for young girls and as a pageant coach from time to time, I’m always asked to come speak on “bringing your ‘A’ game” in terms of presence and appearance. The outer “A” game is simply paying attention to detail; making sure you’re well-hygiened (my made up word), and well-groomed; that you’re put together well. It doesn’t take expensive items to achieve this. Many of the items in my closet come from consignment shops or any other frugal outlet where I see something I may be able to use. Bringing your “A” game means being polished; shoes shined, heels intact, nails painted or just clean and manicured, and the same with your feet; wearing properly and appropriately coordinated outfits. I’m older so I’d look pretty silly trying to wear some daisy dukes and a crop top, even though I may be able to pull it off body-wise. Make-up or no make-up, that’s preference but if you choose to wear it, learn how to wear it correctly and appropriately. These of course are just a few things. Ultimately I think the popular phrase simply means to always show up prepared and at your very best. There’s a famous quote that says “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” And I agree with that. After all my strategic efforts I can’t control the opportunity but I can control the preparation. There have been and will continue to be times where I will bring my best and success isn’t attained. But I can’t stop bringing it. There’s another famous quote that says “If you stay ready you never have to get ready.” I practice being ready at all times and that to me is what it means to bring my “A” game.
