When is Good, Good Enough?

By Battu Vania

The Endless Pursuit of “Good”

In today’s fast-paced world, everyone seems to be chasing the idea of being "good enough"—financially stable, well-settled, happy, and healthy. But what does "good enough" truly mean? Who defines it? And more importantly, can we ever truly be good enough?

Whose Definition Are We Living By?

From a teenager’s perspective, the world often feels neither happy nor fulfilled. So how do we measure "good"? Is it based on how others perceive us? Or is it something we feel within ourselves? It's hard to say we’re "good enough" when there’s no universal standard. People are quick to judge others without understanding the choices—or lack thereof—that shaped their decisions. We focus so much on the outcomes that we forget to look at the circumstances behind them.

Is Rule-Following the Only Way?

Personally, I believe happiness and the idea of being "good" should never be defined by others. No one sees us the way we see ourselves. If being "good" means always following the rules, I can understand that—but I don’t entirely agree. For example, in the great Indian epic, Mahabharata, even during the Kurukshetra war, Lord Krishna had to bend some rules to ensure the victory of righteousness. Yet we don’t call him "bad" for doing so, do we?

When “More” Never Feels Like Enough

Take a real-world example: say someone reaches a certain income level—are they truly satisfied? Or do they continue striving for more? For some, that income is enough. For others, it sparks a desire to achieve even more. This mindset of "not good enough" can fuel personal growth and drive. But is it always healthy? Probably not. Every desire, no matter how strong, eventually has an endpoint.

The Endless Climb

That same person might keep earning more, but for how long? Sooner or later, they’ll either stop or realize that they’ve spent their whole life working—with life itself coming to a close. The idea of "not good enough" might push us forward, but unchecked, it can also rob us of peace and presence.

At some point, we all have to stop and feel content. After all, the ultimate goal is to be happy. A person can earn endlessly, travel endlessly, or search endlessly for love—but only up to a point. Time, ultimately, is the only true limiter. You can earn only until death, travel only while your body allows it, and search for love only until your heart is willing.

Is the clock ticking the same for everyone?

But if time is the great equalizer, why do some people seem to achieve so much more? The difference lies in how they manage their time. The most successful people don’t necessarily work all day—they simply use their time wisely. I've seen individuals excel in academics, sports, and extracurriculars—and still enjoy life to the fullest. They aren’t just productive; they are present.

The Power of Time Management

Time management isn’t about being an early bird or a night owl. It’s not just about having extra hours in your day—though that can help. What really matters is how you use the limited time you have.

You might have noticed that sometimes, you finish your work much faster than expected. Have you ever wondered why? It’s often because you had a clear goal and a deadline. For example, if you tell yourself, “I need to finish this assignment before bedtime,” you’ll likely become more focused and productive.

Now imagine the opposite. If there’s no deadline at all, would you still put in the same effort? Some might say yes—they’ll do it at their own pace. Others might say no. But over time, most people tend to become less productive without a clear target.

This is where Parkinson’s Law comes in. It says:

“Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”

In other words, if you give yourself too much time, the task will grow to fill that time—even if it doesn’t really need it.

What sets successful people apart is not that they work nonstop, but that they set small, achievable deadlines—and stick to them. They manage their time with intention and use it wisely, without letting tasks drag on longer than necessary. Those who succeed don’t find more time—they create more value with the time they have, using it with purpose, clarity, and discipline.

Perfection Is a Trap

Another important truth is that striving for perfection often does more harm than good. The constant pressure to meet unrealistic ideals—especially those set by others—can become mentally and emotionally exhausting. Perfectionism doesn’t inspire; it drains.

Instead, we should focus on doing our best—not someone else’s version of best. When we stop comparing ourselves to others and begin measuring progress by our own growth, we move closer to genuine satisfaction. This mindset shift—from chasing perfection to embracing personal excellence—is one of the most powerful ways to find peace and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Finding Your Own “Enough”

So, how good is good enough? The truth is, it’s different for everyone. What matters is not how much you’ve done compared to others, but whether you feel fulfilled by what you’ve chosen to do. Being "good enough" doesn’t mean settling—it means recognizing when to strive and when to pause. It’s about balance, awareness, and most of all, peace with yourself. After all, life isn’t about endlessly chasing more—it’s about knowing when you have enough.

By Battu Vania