Chapter 1: The Limitations of "Enough"

The term “enough” has become increasingly wearisome to me. I grow weary of the phrase “enough is enough” when it lacks any actionable resolution. The truth is, enough is never truly sufficient; it feels more empty with each passing day.

Take a moment to reflect on the word itself. Repeating it sounds peculiar after a while. Enough, enough already. E-nuff. Ehnuff. A-Nuff. It begins to feel strange, doesn’t it?

That illustrates my argument.

"Enough" signifies insufficiency.

"Enough" denotes incompleteness.

"Enough" implies a lack.

"Good enough" is not genuinely good.

It merely meets a minimum standard. It falls short of expectations and fails to achieve excellence.

The concept of “enough” is never accompanied by notions of better or best. The phrase “good enough” has never equated to “good.” If I am merely “good enough,” I haven’t achieved true goodness. Throughout my upbringing, I seldom heard terms like “well done,” “excellent,” or “great.” They may have been uttered, but they rarely found their way to me.

In my life, whatever I have accomplished has been labeled either insufficient or merely adequate. This sentiment has been echoed by my father, employers, teachers, and even past romantic partners, until my wife came along. There was always the notion of “enough” in their remarks, but never a simple affirmation of being “good.”

Tony Robbins advocates for perpetual growth and improvement, suggesting that striving for better is the ultimate aim. Achieving personal improvements can be straightforward, but meeting the expectations of others often feels like an uphill battle.

I consistently aim to improve. I even set a reminder on my phone that says, “be better than before.” The word “better” bypasses the idea of “good” altogether. While I may not always hit that mark, as evidenced by feedback from my father, bosses, teachers, and past relationships, I maintain the intention to do so.

When do I hear the word “good”? Typically, it pertains to music or writing. Rarely have I received that affirmation from those close to me—except from my two sisters after they read my stories on Medium—but I do hear it from individuals who appreciate quality music and writing. While this recognition hasn’t translated into financial success, it reassures me that I can excel in certain areas.

In the political realm, our laws and their enforcement often fall short. Daily, we witness hatred, yet we’ve become so desensitized that it barely registers. After every mass shooting, immigration debate, or economic crisis, we chant “enough is enough,” but nothing changes. Our efforts to address racial inequality, hatred, and division remain inadequate.

There will never be enough measures to curb those with malicious intent.

The notion of “enough” is deceptive. It’s an empty phrase.

I doubt I’ll ever encounter the word “good” alongside “enough.” What would I prefer to hear instead?

Better.

More.

Love.

We need these in abundance—not just to satisfy a few, but to enrich the lives of all. That, in my view, should be our focus.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Explore more remarkable content from MarkfromBoston, Margie Willis, Oluwatomisin Awe, Reece Reid, Michael L Butler, KiKi Walter, Scot Butwell, Scott Younkin, Jameson Steward, Rodrigo S-C, Judy Derby BSc., Janin Lyndovsky, Adrienne Beaumont, Victoria Gregg, Cliff Hightower, David Perlmutter.

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Section 1.1: The Frustration with "Good Enough"

The phrase "good enough" implies a compromise on quality. It suggests that we should settle for mediocrity rather than striving for excellence.

Chapter 2: Expanding Horizons

In the video "Good Enough is Not Enough," the speaker discusses the need for constant self-improvement and the dangers of complacency.

The music video "Never Enough" by Loren Allred reinforces the message that true fulfillment cannot be found in settling for less than we deserve.