We’ve all heard the phrase “good is the enemy of great.” But what does it actually mean in practice? Why is it that so many of us fall short of crossing that bridge from being average to truly great?
To illustrate this, let me share a recent dining experience I had. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you, not because of the food, but because of the lesson hidden in plain sight.
The Waiter Who Almost Nailed It
One evening, CeCe and I went out to a local restaurant. We were greeted by a waiter whose energy was refreshing and downright magnetic. She introduced herself with enthusiasm, made us feel like VIPs, and handled our drink orders with precision. Right off the bat, I leaned over to CeCe and whispered, “Wow, this is the kind of dining experience you hope for. She’s fantastic!”
The evening started strong. Drinks arrived swiftly, the specials were rattled off with flair, and her warm personality made us feel like her only customers in the room. I even started wondering if this restaurant had some elite, intensive waiter training. I was sold; this was going to be an A+ experience.
But as the meal progressed, a different story began to unfold. While the food came out timely and lived up to our expectations, something was missing. I sat there with my empty glass of unsweetened tea. No refills. No check-ins. The once-attentive waiter seemed to vanish, ghosting us as we became inpatient and restless.
By the time we caught her attention to ask for the check, the evening had lost its initial spark. And the worst part? It wasn’t about the tea or the delay. It was about the fact that she had started on the path to greatness but couldn’t finish the job. She had the talent, the charisma, and the potential. But the discipline? That was where things fell apart.
Why Discipline Is Non-Negotiable for Greatness
That dinner was a perfect metaphor for how many of us approach life and our dreams. We start strong. We get excited. We’re full of ideas and motivation. But when the excitement fades, discipline becomes the missing ingredient that makes all the difference.
Think about the leaders, businesses, or even colleagues you admire. What sets them apart from the crowd? It’s not just talent or passion. It’s their willingness to do the hard, unglamorous work even when no one is watching. Discipline is what transforms good intentions into great outcomes.
Here’s the kicker, though: discipline isn’t flashy. It’s not the opening act that gets the standing ovation. It’s the quiet follow-through that ensures the night ends on the right note. For our waiter, greatness would have been as simple as refilling a glass of tea and saying, “Thanks for coming. See you next time.”
Everyone Wants Greatness, But Few Are Willing to Do the Work
At the end of the day, most of us want to be great. Who wouldn’t? But wanting something and being willing to do what it takes are two very different things. Do you have the discipline to stick it out when your initial spark starts to dim? Can you push through the doubts, distractions, and discomfort?
This is where many people, teams, and businesses fall short. Everyone can run hard out of the gate, but greatness isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And a marathon requires pacing, stamina, and the perseverance to keep going when your legs are tired.
How to Build the Discipline to Go From Average to Great
Building discipline isn’t a one-time event. It’s a habit, a mindset, and often, a lifelong process. Here’s how you can start building it today:
1. Start Small
You don’t need to change everything overnight. Choose one area where you’d like to improve and commit to small, consistent steps.
2. Focus on the Finish
It’s easy to begin strong, but discipline lies in how you finish. Whether it’s completing a project or keeping a promise, follow through until the end.
3. Hold Yourself Accountable
Discipline isn’t about winging it. Set goals, track your progress, and reflect on your efforts regularly. Self-awareness is half the battle.
4. Celebrate Success, Then Get Back to Work
Discipline doesn’t mean denying yourself the opportunity to celebrate your wins. But once the celebration is over, stay focused and keep building.
5. Learn From Setbacks
No one gets it right all the time. When you fall short, don’t beat yourself up. Reflect, learn, and use it as fuel to improve.
Closing the Gap Between Good and Great
The difference between good and great often comes down to discipline. It’s about choosing to show up and follow through, even when it’s inconvenient. It’s about keeping your focus on the details, even when no one else notices. And it’s about building habits that bring out your best, day after day.
Going from average to great isn’t sexy or easy. But it’s worth it. It’s the quiet power of discipline that makes all the difference in love, in work, and in life.
“If you were to anticipate how strong a company’s culture needs to be to transform and thrive in the future, Joey Havens paints a beautiful horizon in his book Leading with Significance.” Daniel Burrus
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
For more information on my presentations or to access my beBetter blog library go to joeyhavens.com.
