It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
William Somerset Maugham
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Whether it is your personal or professional life, you should always aim high. By setting your sights on anything below that, you not only run the risk of settling for less, but even getting something way below your league if you miss the mark. On the other hand, when you are determined to get nothing but the best, that’s what you mostly end up getting.
ISN’T THIS AN ALL-OR-NOTHING APPROACH?
Not exactly. All it means is that your dreams should befit your abilities. It is almost criminal to even aspire to settle for anything below that. That said, more often than not, this is hardly ever tantamount to putting everything on line. In fact, such a mindset ensures that even if you don’t get what you set out to, you will still come out with something commendable.
Think of two Olympic athletes, who train hard day and night for four years to win a medal at the biggest sporting stage there is. One of these athletes aims to secure the gold medal, while the other one would be happy with a podium finish. Even if the former isn’t able to perform to the best of their abilities on the day, they still stand a chance to finish with a silver or even a bronze medal. However, the latter is likely to go home empty-handed for their lack of ambition. This example perfectly encapsulates the difference between striving for the best and being willing to settle for just about anything.
CONCLUSION
You should be clear in your mind about what you want from life. This is what sets extraordinary men from the ordinary ones. Remember, everything stems from your mentality. If you are someone who would be happy with just about anything or anyone in life, chances are that you wouldn’t get any better. On the other hand, if you know your worth and aim accordingly, life is likely to reward you with the things or people you truly deserve.
William Somerset Maugham was an English author, known for his deep quotes and sayings about life. One of his best life quotes ever goes as follows: “It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”