When “Good” Is Great Enough

As promised, this blog is where I keep it real. So if you’re here to judge, feel free to exit stage left. This space is for honesty, for self-reflection, and for those of us who are high-achieving, type-A, borderline burnt-out professionals just trying to keep it together.

Let me get right to it: sometimes, I just don’t have it in me to be GREAT.

There, I said it.

And it feels weird to admit that. I pride myself on being a high performer. I’m the one who holds the bar high—not just for others, but especially for myself. As an HR exec, I’ve seen the full spectrum when it comes to performance. I’ve worked with the laser-focused rockstars and the “you couldn’t pay me to care” folks. I coach others to be great for a living. So what happens when I look in the mirror and don’t see greatness? What happens when I’m just…okay?

Honestly? I feel like a fraud.

Because the truth is, when you’re in the business of helping others elevate, there’s a pressure to always be operating at your personal best. But here’s the hard lesson I’ve learned: that mindset is the fast track to burnout, especially when “best” starts to mean “perfect.”

The Year I Did The Most

Let’s go back to 2024. I set what the corporate world likes to call “stretch goals,” but let’s be real—they were ‘beyond’ borderline impossible. I stepped into a role that didn’t exist before me, and the blank canvas of opportunity quickly turned into a pressure cooker of unrealistic expectations (self-inflicted). But here’s the kicker: once I started, I couldn’t stop. I had created this new standard… and suddenly it wasn’t a stretch goal anymore. It was the bar. YIKES! 

I worked hard. Like hard hard. There were long nights, lots of tears, and constant second-guessing. But guess what? I made it happen. I made the unrealistic, realistic. The unattainable, attainable. I got the 5/5 rating. I got the full bonus. Barley got the flowers... that’s a story for another day!

But looking back, I have to ask myself: Was it worth it?

Because here’s the plot twist—I could’ve gotten a full bonus with a 3/5 rating (3/5 = meets expectations). I would’ve had the same salary increase. So… why did I sacrifice my sleep, my peace, and my sanity for a number?

Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was imposter syndrome. Maybe it was the competitor in me who’s terrified of failure. Probably all of the above. Failure debilitates me, and fear of failure fuels me. Is this healthy? Absolutely not! But, I am self-aware enough to know how this thinking framework impacts me, and guess what, I’m okay with that! 

I’m not ashamed to admit it—this is how I’m wired. I’m self-aware enough to name it. But I’m also wise enough now to know when that wiring needs a reset.

In This Season, “Good” Is Great

So now we’re in 2025. And listen, this year? It’s different. I’m planning a wedding. I’m pouring into my personal life. I simply don’t have the same mental bandwidth I had last year—and I’m not even trying to pretend like I do.

That means fewer late nights. Fewer work trips. Fewer “sure, I’ll take on that extra project” or “what else do you need from me” moments. And more time choosing me.

And guess what? That’s okay.
Because in this season of my life, being “good” is great enough.

If you’re someone who constantly feels the pressure to be “great” or to over-deliver, here’s what I’ll leave you with:

✅ When to Choose “Self” Over “Standout”

• When your body or mental health is telling you to slow down

• When you’re pouring more in than you're getting back

• When the cost of "winning" is your peace, joy, or relationships

• When you’re navigating big life transitions (weddings, babies, grief, moves)

• When your definition of success has shifted—and that’s okay

❌ When Not to Obsess Over Being “Great”

• When “great” is based on someone else’s approval or recognition

• When the output doesn’t match the outcome (i.e., you’re doing more than necessary)

• When “greatness” is rooted in fear, not passion

• When you haven’t defined what “good enough” looks like for you

❤️ Give Yourself Grace To Just Be "Good"

• Good is consistent.

• Good is sustainable.

• Good still gets the job done.

• Good gives you room to grow at your own pace.

So, if you’re in a season where “great” feels out of reach—take a breath. You’re still enough. You’re still valuable. You’re still a force, even on your “good” days.

Here’s to being beautifully, intentionally, good.