“Good is the enemy of great.” So says Jim Collins, author of the book Good to Great. Checkout the opening lines from that book:
Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don’t have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don’t have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life. The vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good – and that is their main problem.
This paragraph inspires me to do things great. I don’t always succeed, but I have learned to regularly ask myself if I’ve gotten into the rut of settling for ‘good’. In fact, I suspect I could rewrite that opening sentence this way too:
Good is the enemy of excellence.
If good represents mediocrity, sameness, getting by and ‘good enough’, then it certainly is the enemy of greatness, excellence, high standards and ‘going above and beyond’. In fact, I suspect ‘good’ is worse than ‘bad’. Everyone understands bad, poor, below average and ‘not good enough’. ‘Bad’ practically shouts, “Change!” while ‘Good’ whispers, ‘Stay the same.’
I wonder what areas you are doing ‘Good Enough’? I’d like to challenge you to honestly ask what areas you need to pray and work towards ‘great’ this year. I’ve already identified mine.
- Spiritual Disciplines?
- Marriage Enrichment?
- Parenting?
- Health?
- Mentoring Others?
- Leading Meetings?
- Overseeing Staff or Volunteers?
- Preparing Messages?
- Managing Your Money/Resources?
- What else?
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Comments
4 responses to “Good Is The Enemy Of Great”
Good point! (oops, I mean great points! : ) Thanks!
Thanks Dan!
“Good is the enemy of great.”
Do you know if this is an original quote by Mr. Collins or something someone else had stated before him?
Thanks!
Not really sure!