Don’t Settle For “Good Enough”

I’ve been talking to a lot of creatives lately about what they do and do not like about their “day jobs” and whether or not they’d like to go freelance full-time.

Something surprises me each time I hear their responses. Their thoughts tend to start like this:

“I don’t hate my day job, I just…”

“My day job isn’t really that bad, buutttt…..”

“There are lots of things I love, it’s just that….”

It’s great to hear that people aren’t miserable and generally see the positive side of their situation or career. But there is a flip-side to this “not so bad” coin.

It makes it too easy to settle.

Settle for “good enough”.

Settle Good Enough

Here’s the problem with “good enough”: It doesn’t last.

And while you’re coasting by, focusing on only the positive stuff and ignoring the downsides, not taking action to fix them, your life is passing you by.

YOU’RE DENYING YOURSELF A LOT OF BETTER STUFF.

Projects that inspire you.

Colleagues and friendships that challenge you.

Income that you control.

Flexibility on how you spend 40 hours a week.

So what are you going to do about it?

I challenge you to make a list of every aspect of your professional life and rate how you feel about each from 1 to 3:

1 = Great
2 = Good enough
3 = Horrible

Here’s some examples for your list:

  • The projects I work on
  • My co-workers
  • My bosses
  • Respect I receive for the work I do
  • Time spent away from family
  • Vacation time
  • Commute
  • Work environment
  • Clients I work with
  • Inspiration on Monday mornings
  • Motivation on Monday mornings

How’d you do?

Lots of 1’s or too many 2’s and 3’s? Here’s the truth: You can have all 1’s.

It’s just a matter of recognizing where you need them and taking active steps to change them. Otherwise, it’s too easy to be complacent.

I personally found that self-employment was the best way to go beyond “good enough” in all areas of my life. Although it’s not the only solution, if you’re hanging out here at the FTFP, I suspect you may think it can help you too.

Once you recognize that you are settling for “good enough”, it’s time to take action and plan your leap into full-time freelancing.

Let me know in the comments, are you settling for good enough or have you in the past? What areas do you need to work on?

-Leah

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