Good enough is not good enough.
Some people might think ‘tax audit’ would be the scariest two words combined in the business world.
I believe two of the scariest (and dangerous) words in business (and perhaps life) are ‘good enough.’ Woe to those who spend countless hours of their lives toiling and laboring as a means to an end only to settle for less than what it could be.
Do you really want to do something significant? Do you really want the things you do to have meaning? You will never find full satisfaction out of your work or the things you can buy because of it. That’s just not how we’re wired.
...'good enough' is an epidemic in your life.
The chances are that if you’re skimping on details hoping that no one will notice, you’re probably not as engaged in what you’re doing—and other areas of your life probably follow suit as well. You see, ‘good enough’ is an epidemic in your life. Perhaps it starts as a disposition at work. Then, the disease spreads throughout your life to time with your spouse, time spent with your kids, time giving back to others, and finally, it’s consumed your life. Maybe you say, ‘I just don’t have the time to finish this or to put in these details.’ But you can’t afford not to. With all the time you think you’re saving, you’re really giving up on a more fulfilled life.
There was an ancient wise man who once said,
“I perceived that there is nothing better for them (mankind) than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to mankind.”^1
How can you enjoy your life—your work, your hobbies, your family—if you aren’t putting your best into it? Perfection isn’t going to happen by you or by me. But striving after perfection allows the opportunity for greatness. And you'll feel good about the effort put forth.
The neglect of the details of your business stops today. Maybe today is the day that you cut down your commitments so you can do a few things really well. Maybe today is the day that you postpone a night with your friends or colleagues to be intentional to invest in some quality time with your family. What areas of your life can you see opportunity for more effort?
It’s time to stop letting ‘good enough’ be your status quo. It’s time to stop letting ‘good enough’ be good enough.
^1 The Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV)
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