Good. Nice.
Two words I loathe. Not because they’re offensive, but because they’re invisible. They’re the linguistic equivalent of beige wallpaper. Functional, perhaps. Memorable? Never.
When was the last time you felt your pulse quicken because something was “good”? When did “nice” ever inspire anyone to do something remarkable?
These words are surrender dressed up as satisfaction. They’re what we reach for when we’ve stopped reaching. When we’ve decided that mediocrity is acceptable because, well, at least it’s not terrible.
I have noticed an uncomfortable truth: those who settle for “good enough” are the same ones wondering why their growth has stalled. The teams that celebrate “nice work” are the ones struggling to attract exceptional talent.
You want audacious? Breathtaking? Unthinkable?
Then start by removing “good” and “nice” from your vocabulary. Not because the words will change outcomes – they don’t. But because the language we use reveals what we’re willing to accept.
Ask yourself: Would you describe your vision for your company as “good”? Your relationship with your best clients as “nice”? Your impact on the market as either of these lukewarm placeholders?
I didn’t think so.
So why would you accept it from your team? From your product? From yourself?
Exceptional isn’t achieved by those seeking good. It’s built by people who refuse to let those words define their work.
What are you really after?
