"If Better is Possible, Good is Not Enough" - Embracing a Growth Mindset

Happy Thursday!!!

There's a thought-provoking truth in the quote, “Always remember — if better is possible, good is not enough.” Benjamin Franklin's words capture the essence of striving beyond our comfort zones, beyond settling for "good enough." Today, this mindset is more relevant than ever. By aiming for "better" rather than just "good," we open ourselves to growth, resilience, and, ultimately, excellence.

In many areas of life, it's tempting to believe that once something is working “well enough,” we can coast. But while "good" is comfortable, it can often be the enemy of "great." By pausing our progress at "good enough," we may miss out on discovering untapped strengths, developing valuable skills, or realizing our full potential. When we believe that better is possible, we embrace a mindset of continuous improvement—a growth mindset that challenges us to elevate our own standards.

Why Stop at Good?

There’s a risk in settling for just "good." A project completed to a passable level might work, but will it impress? A job well done might be appreciated, but could it inspire? Daniels' quote invites us to consider these questions and reframe our goals. When we aim higher, we not only develop ourselves but also have a greater impact on the people and projects around us.

For example, in the workplace, a project completed with excellence not only builds personal pride but also contributes to the success of the team and the organization. In relationships, striving to be a better listener or a more supportive friend brings deeper connections and understanding. And in personal development, pushing ourselves to keep learning and growing helps us become more resilient, adaptable, and fulfilled.

The Power of Small, Consistent Steps

The pursuit of “better” isn’t about perfection. It’s about incremental progress. Small, consistent efforts compound over time. By aiming just a bit higher each time, we can improve without feeling overwhelmed. This approach allows for gradual yet meaningful change, ultimately pushing us closer to our best selves.

Imagine if, with each project or goal, you asked, “What can I do just a bit better?” This small shift in perspective can lead to continuous, manageable progress—whether it’s taking a few extra minutes to double-check your work, learning a new skill to enhance your project, or taking the time to improve communication in a relationship.

Embracing a "Better is Possible" Mindset in Daily Life

To live by this quote, consider these practical steps:

1. Set Stretch Goals: Identify areas in your life where you’re doing well but could challenge yourself to do even better. Whether it’s personal health, career ambitions, or skills development, stretch goals keep us moving forward.
2. Seek Feedback: Often, we’re unaware of our blind spots. Constructive feedback can help us see opportunities for improvement and achieve a level beyond what we thought was possible.
3. Learn Something New Regularly: Continuous learning keeps us adaptable and open to better ways of doing things. Whether through books, podcasts, courses, or conversations with others, new knowledge can help us improve.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Pursuing “better” doesn’t mean beating ourselves up over every mistake. Celebrate the progress you make along the way, recognizing that even small steps add up.

Turning "Good Enough" into "Better Than Ever"

If better is possible, why settle? When we aim for more than just “good enough,” we start to notice the little ways in which we can improve each day. Over time, those small improvements shape us into better versions of ourselves, leading to a more fulfilled and accomplished life.

Let Euran S. Daniels’ words inspire you to go beyond good. Embrace the potential for better in every aspect of your life—and watch as you grow in ways you may have never expected.

Be brilliant,

-srt