Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Good Enough

Is "good enough" truly sufficient? Do we have the freedom to choose between merely meeting expectations and striving for our personal best?

I can recall a time when the concept of settling for "good enough" seemed alien to me, much like my aversion to chocolate. It feels intrinsic to who I am. Whether it's a result of my upbringing or just my nature, I can't envision a version of myself that would ever be content with mediocrity.

The notion of "good enough" permeates our lives. I've witnessed it in peers and colleagues alike. In a sense, our educational system promotes this mindset: merely passing an exam or hitting that 50% mark becomes the goal. Culturally, we often find it sufficient to meet the minimum requirements, conserving our energy for other pursuits or leisure. Ironically, I have faced criticism for going above and beyond, either getting sidetracked by a fascinating topic or failing to keep my responses concise.

However, is "good enough" really adequate? Personally, I don't believe so. While it might be wise to concentrate only on what is essential for completing tasks, adhering to certain rules can be the quickest route to achieving what truly matters to us. We might scoff at some of these regulations, feeling that we are above them, but sticking to them can often be the most sensible approach to avoid unnecessary obstacles.

Yet, my concern with following the rules lies in the risk of assuming they are infallible. Many individuals fall into this trap. We often think that rules exist for a reason, and therefore, we should simply abide by them. But questioning these rules can be beneficial; we ought to analyze them critically and form our own conclusions. While many rules are logical and serve a purpose, some can be downright absurd, depending on our context.

We are more than mere sets of guidelines. Rules are designed to be "good enough," but are we meant to be confined to that standard? I believe we are meant to strive for continual improvement.

It's difficult to justify spending an entire night refining something that was already satisfactory to the client. However, if it wasn't your best work, and if you are committed to excellence, delivering your utmost can lead to exceeding expectations. People appreciate those who go above and beyond, making the extra effort worthwhile.

Ultimately, the drive to pursue our best isn't just a marketing tactic; it's a core aspect of who we are. Whether it's something we're born with or cultivated over time, I know that I don't like the person I see in the mirror when I know I settled for less than my potential.

Today's level of optimistic pessimism: 65%.

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Who am I, you ask?

I am a musician who writes and a writer who creates music. Welcome to my world!

Chapter 2: The Motivation Behind Our Obsession

The first video titled "OBSESSED WITH WINNING - Motivational Speech" explores the drive for success and the mindset needed to achieve it.

The second video, "Will Guidara on the Power of Positive Obsession," discusses the importance of a passionate commitment to excellence and its impact on personal and professional growth.