The problem with taking offense is that it's really hard to figure out what to do with it after you're done using it. Better to just leave it on the table and walk away. Umbrage untaken quietly disappears.
Seth GodinRead
If you're not the best in the world at what you do, then you have to get better.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Striving for excellence is essential; continuous improvement is necessary.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being at the top of one’s game in any endeavor. If one is not recognized as the best in their field, it should serve as a motivating factor to improve and develop skills further rather than becoming complacent.
Themes
ExcellenceImprovementMotivationSuccessDevelopment
In practice
Example use cases
In a keynote speech at a business conference, one might say, 'Remember, if you're not the best in the world at what you do, then you have to get better.'
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
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Excellence isn’t about meeting the spec, it’s about setting the spec. It defines what the consumer sees as quality right this minute, and tomorrow, if you’re good, you’ll reset that expectation again
Seth GodinRead
Living with doubt ... is almost always more profitable than living with certainty. _x000D_ People don't like doubt, so they pay money and give up opportunities to avoid it. _x000D_ Entrepreneurshi p is largely about living with doubt. If you need reassurance, you're giving up quite a bit to get it. On the other hand, if you can get in the habit of seeking out uncertainty, you'll have developed a great instinct.
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The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
Seth GodinRead
Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that is creative, passionate and personal. Art is the unique work of a human being created to touch another. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
Seth GodinRead
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Online I see people committing 'social media suicide' all the time by one of two ways. Firstly by responding to all criticism, meaning you're never going to find time to complete important milestones of your own, and by responding to things that don't warrant a response. This lends more credibility by driving traffic.
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You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.
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If you don't set goals, you can't regret not reaching them.
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