The Hidden Cost of "Good Enough"
is dinner ready yet?
It's 6 PM. My kid needs help getting fed, dinner isn't even close to ready, and I’ve got three work emails marked "urgent."
Sound familiar? Like many parents, I’ve mastered quick fixes. Need dinner? Use a DoorDash coupon. Writing help? Try ChatGPT. Want a home office? Get IKEA furniture, fast. But lately, I've been wondering:
When does "good enough" become a trap that holds us back from real growth?
have I traded convenience for real culinary knowledge or hat feeling of just this one time?
This trade-off shows up everywhere in our busy lives. When we use AI to draft emails, are we developing our communication skills? Are we teaching our kids problem-solving when we help with homework using quick online solutions? Or are we just getting through the evening? When we choose quick-assembly furniture instead of learning woodworking, we miss out. Sure, that example is extreme, but I love creating with my hands. What hidden talents might we discover?
Look, I get it. With job demands, family duties, and constant notifications, we can't master everything. Sometimes functional solutions are exactly what we need. The reality of modern life demands some shortcuts.
Here's what actually works (I've tested this with my own family):
Choose ONE area for deep learning each quarter. it's cooking, coding, or creative writing - recently, it’s me recommitting to push out some kind of deeper writing at least once a month.
Use convenience tools strategically for everything else. I’m going to get door-dash/meal kits only a few times a week.
Make learning a family activity. Turn that IKEA furniture assembly into a lesson about tools and engineering for your kids.
The key takeaway? Stop feeling guilty about using convenience tools. Use them in a calculated manner to create space for true mastery in the areas that matter most to you. You don't need to master everything; you need to be intentional about where you invest your limited time and energy.
Think of it like your phone's battery - you can't always run every app at full power. Choose what deserves your full charge, and let the rest run in low-power mode.
I liken this to practical work: " Effective reasoning emphasises affordable loss.” It's about learning to get something done but being willing to accept the trade-offs.
Until next time