It seems that many think that “doing your best” is defined by massive exertion, but I disagree; from what I’ve seen, effort is simply a prerequisite.  Combine all-out effort with the practice of constantly questioning your methods and positions (to see if you’re doing things as fast and efficiently as possible within ethical parameters), and the intellectual courage to contemplate and experiment with new approaches…I think THAT’S close to the definition of “doing your best.”