Its a funny thing, if you accept nothing but the best, you often get it – Quotes 101

Accept nothing but the best

On this topic, I would like to revisit a previous discussion on the quote by W.Somerset Waugham – Accept nothing but the best. The discussion centres around expectations of quality, minimum standards and how we define the things we are comfortable with.

I would like to highlight the stark difference between appearing picky and setting our own internal standards which trade off between defining things to be happy with and striving for excellence. As we unravel the small distinctions, I would like to call a note to the fact of scratching below the surface of what this quote means from the outset.

It’ a funny thing about life, if you refuse to accept anything but THE BEST, you very often get it

• W. Somerset Waugham

Setting Standards

I believe this is a tough one. Although theoretically we should aim at setting the best standards for ourselves to reach, our lives are also interconnected to the society around us.

• Do we establish the same level of expectation from them too?
• If we are, then what happens if people don’t meet these standards?
• Are we going to cast them away from our lives or ignore them until they reach our standards?
• At the same time, if we are ok with everything, are we letting people walk all over us?

Don’t Sweat the small Stuff

A parallel line of thought is about sweating the small stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book “Don’t sweat the small stuff” – Richard Carlson. It highlighted the ideas of putting things in perspective and knowing what we should concentrate on.

In the realm of big pictures, it is all the small stuff anyway.

• So, how do we place this in perception with the thoughts above?
• What is the balance between setting high standards and sweating the small stuff?
• How do we ensure that we are happy through the process of setting high standards for life and not disappointing ourselves?

The Difficult Balance

As always, it comes to the decision points about what’s the most important factor for us.

• What do we consider important and keep the core to ourselves. It is almost like protecting a sacred garden where external influence is kept minimal.
• How do we ensure that we keep the motivation levels to their maximum so that we continue to get the best out of our lives.

I will be wrong if I don’t appreciate the delicate balance between the two. Something in me constantly keeps screaming that if we are not pushing ourselves, no one else will. And, if we don’t push ourselves, how do we realise the extent of our capabilities and the width of achievements.

A question to ponder. On that note, I leave you with the quote below for your insightful comments and thoughts. Please do let us engage in a fruitful discussion with your notes below.

It’ a funny thing about life, if you refuse to accept anything but THE BEST, you very often get it

• W. Somerset Waugham