While waiting for a client, I found myself reflecting on the idea of doing things well vs good enough. I watched the maintenance guy clean out the bins — not just a quick rinse, but a meticulous scrub inside and out until they gleamed. Something was grounding about his care, a reminder that sometimes excellence brings joy, while at other times, “good enough” keeps life moving.
It made me think about the art of doing things well — not for show, but for the quiet satisfaction of a job done properly.
But here’s the truth: we can’t do everything meticulously. Unless you’ve got a full-time team, zero sleep requirements, and Harry Potter’s time turner, some things will simply have to be “good enough.”
For example, I don’t scrub my giant outdoor bin — that’s a “wheel it to the curb and hope for the best” job. But my inside bin? That gets wiped every week. It’s contained, doable, and makes my kitchen smell fresh.
It all comes down to this: knowing what deserves your best effort, and when good enough is truly enough.
Doing Things Well vs Good Enough: How to Decide What Deserves Extra Care
Here are a few questions I ask myself:
- Does this task affect my health, mood, or household flow?
If yes, it’s worth the effort. (Hello, clean kitchen bin.) - Will someone else appreciate or rely on this detail?
A neatly made bed for a guest or a labelled pantry for a client? Absolutely. - Am I aiming for “perfect” to procrastinate something harder?
Sometimes perfectionism is just disguised avoidance. - Will this matter in a week or a month?
If not, maybe let those streaky windows go for now. - Am I doing this with love or resentment?
If resentment is creeping in, it may be time to scale back.
The Real Mastery of Doing Things Well vs Good Enough
Doing things well is a beautiful thing.
Doing them at the right time, for the right reason, with the right energy?
That’s mastery.
We don’t need to scrub every bin to perfection. But we can take pride in the tasks we choose to do well — and let the rest simply be “good enough.”
Because sometimes “good enough” is what keeps life moving.
And sometimes, going the extra mile brings quiet joy.
The key is knowing which one it is — today.
Want more practical wisdom like this?
Visit the Space and Time website or follow along for tips on living a more organised and intentional life — one (well-timed) task at a time.
You’ll find:
- Simple strategies for managing your home with less stress
- Mindset shifts that help you choose “good enough” without guilt
- Practical organising tips that create more space, time, and calm in your days
- Inspiration for living with intention, not perfection
Because when you get the balance right, life feels lighter — and you have more energy for what truly matters.