Good is the Enemy of Great …and that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.

We don’t have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don’t have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life. The vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good – and that is their main problem.
-Jim Collins, author of  “Good To Great.”

As Jim went on to say, “…greatness comes from disciplined people. Disciplined thought, and disciplined action.”

The difference between “good” and “great” is the extra effort, attention to detail, and pushing beyond what is merely satisfactory. While “good” meets expectations, “great” exceeds them through a relentless commitment to improvement, a focus on the finer points, and a willingness to perform at one’s highest level even when it’s difficult.

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
-Winston Churchill

“Greatness is not a destination: it is a continuous journey that never ends.”
-Unknown

“You can only become great at that thing you’re willing to sacrifice for.”
-Maya Angelou

“Greatness is a lot of small things done well”
-Eric Thomas

“Greatness is not a matter of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice.”
-Jim Collins

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
-John D. Rockefeller