I once opened a fortune cookie that had the following message inside of it: If you refuse to accept anything but the very best, you very often get it. I find the idea of this to be quite provoking. Of course, taking the idea behind the message to the extreme, could easily lead one’s life into a quicksand of dissatisfaction.
If we truly refused to accept anything but the very best in all aspects of our lives, we would spend most of our time waiting for a better option and never get anywhere. However, using the idea moderately may have the potential to really improve your life.
How many times in your life have you settled for second best and later regretted it? While second best is often easier, it is not always better. The trick is to determine which things are little more than “widgets” and which things play a more important role in our lives.
Let’s look at a very simple example. Basketball shoes come in many shapes and sizes and in all price ranges. You can buy a pair of basketball shoes for $20.00 or less. High end basketball shoes easily go for more than $100.00. There are obviously a variance in the quality of shoes at any price range, but you can bet that most of the shoes at the top end are better for your feet and provide better ankle support than the canvas shoes at the low end. How many broken ankles are you willing to endure in order to save a little money?
Now, think about flip flops for the beach. I pretty much consider this type of footwear to be disposable. They need to stay on my feet and keep me from burning my feet. Of course, better flip flops tend to last longer, but in the end it is all the same. Things that deal with your health, safety, and well being are all things that are worth demanding the best. Those things that make little difference in your life, not so much.
The people you spend your time and money on can make the biggest difference in your life. The people that you chose to be with can make all the difference. It is very simple. If you spend your time with people that you want to be like, you are more likely to be like them. The people you spend your time with are a reflection of who you are and what you want to be. The important thing to remember is that people do not always want what is best for them or aspire to be the people they should be. Wanting something doesn’t automatically make that thing the best.
Think about the things you want in life and then take the time to consider whether you are really holding out for the best or are you settling for second best. If you are settling for second best, make sure that is your decision and not because it is easier.
We all like things to be easy, but we have all regretted taking the easy way out. Sometimes the best way to get the very best in life is to learn from your past mistakes. That is true for everyone, especially those of us way up in the CHEAP SEATS!
Bill James is a co-founder of the James Law Firm with offices in Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville, Arkansas. His primary area of practice is criminal defense. He can be contacted at Bill@JamesFirm.com