Motivational speaker Yvonne Camus says that it's OK to admit that you aren't going to be on your game 100 per cent of the time. She also says that it's important to be able to tell the difference between those times when you are succeeding and the times when you aren't. Why? Because too many of us criticize or analyze our performance when we are doing poorly—and it's much more effective to do so when we are doing well. "The most successful, happy people I meet are people who have the ability to evaluate themselves when they are at their best," she says in a motivational speech. By taking note of what you are capable of when at your best, you will be more motivated and positive about what you are capable of doing overall. 

"I think if we're optimistic about our ability not only to repeat our best performance, but surpass it, we will always overcome that challenge of improvement, that gap between where we are and where we want to be," she explains. It's easy to get discouraged and feel like you can't accomplish your goals after a bad day, she says. However, if you always think back to the day when you did your best, and you constantly strive to attain that performance again, you will feel more motivated and positive about the results you can achieve.

In the speech, she relates this idea to a real-world example of when she was training for a big race and felt overwhelmed during a particular workout. It was then, however, that she discovered the benefits of cutting herself some slack sometimes, and powered through her workout despite not feeling at her best. The important lesson, she says, is to not become discouraged—and to stay dedicated to your goals even during tough times. In her highly requested speeches (many of which receive standing ovations) Camus teaches audiences not just how to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, but how to surpass them and develop a zest for life that extends long after the challenge has been met.