“Better” Does Not Mean “Good”

As I’ve told you numerous times on this blog, I’m an introvert at heart. I’d say that up until a couple of years ago, I was an extreme introvert. I never felt comfortable anywhere I went and interactions were awkward. (Now, I’d just say that I am awkward, but my interactions, not necessarily.)

Over time, I’ve gotten more social. I’ve learned to effectively communicate and open up and express myself. I’ve made so much progress, I’m now an open person, right?

Not if you ask my wife.

While we were having one of those little quarrels that lovers sometimes have, she made the point that I can be hard to read when I’m angry. I shut down and don’t let anyone in. And no one knows what’s going through my head.

When I took a bit of time to think about what she had said, I realized that she was right. And then I realized that although I believe I’ve made much progress on opening up and not being so much of an introvert, I still have much more progress left to be made.

Which brings me to be my point…

“Better” does not mean “Good”. Or “Good enough”.

Am I better communicator than I was a few years ago? Yes. Am I a good communicator? I guess that depends on whom you ask or the situation.

I know that this is a very personal example that I’m giving, but this rule applies to areas other than relationships and lover’s quarrels. It applies to you as a professional, your company or business, you as an athlete, you as a writer, a blogger, whatever the hell it is that you dedicate your time to.

Just because you’re better at something does not mean that you are good at it. It just means that you’re better at it than you once were.

Tagged as: criticism, improvement