Typically calling something ‘good enough’ is not a compliment.  In fact, it has many negative connotations.  The unspoken message might be that  you cut corners, your heart wasn’t in it, or you could have done better.

As a person who is often comfortable with ‘good enough’ I beg to differ.  Frankly, the expression has been given a bad rap. When the completion of a task is ‘good enough’ it means you’ve met the objective without wasting additional time and resources.

As early as the 1700s the logic of ‘good enough’ was reinforced by a far more eloquent expression, The Law of Diminishing Returns.  Basically, it stated that when the primary objective was met, additional enhancements were not worth the cost.

The lowly donkey also makes a solid case for ‘good enough.’ It is a not an elegant member of the equine family.  It does not have the speed or grace of its relative the horse. It will never be featured in the Kentucky Derby or have its version of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.  But to the miner who wants a reliable pack animal it is definitely ‘good enough.’

We can go further in defending the moniker.  Individuals themselves can be ‘good enough.’  Someone doesn’t have to be the best or the brightest to be worthy of acceptance and appreciation.  A big heart and a willing spirit can make up for a lot of small mistakes. 

In fact, being good enough is a goal that more people should aspire to reach.  Be good enough to take care of yourself and your responsibilities. Be good enough to give people in your life what they need, even if it isn’t everything they want.  Be good enough and do enough to make small differences for those around you.

Just imagine how the world could be, if more of us were ‘good enough.’