# The Power of Better By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2025-03-31 Better is frequently overlooked. Our society focuses a great deal of attention on the best. Those who win, whether in sports, business, or politics, are valorized. In the words of Reese Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Of course, Reese was high that day, so one should question the coherence of the statement before making it the ethos for an entire society in decline. Be that as it may, the obsession with the best blinds us to the power of the better. Things can always be better. Often, it takes minimal additional effort to make things better. One can work a little more complicated, study more effectively, be nicer, and exercise more patience. Across a spectrum of activities, better is almost always achievable. The problem is that within our society, which is focused on the best, getting better seems pointless. No matter the degree of improvement, starting wherever on is, one will likely never be the best. So, why try? There are a multitude of reasons. First, improving is inherently gratifying. Focusing on better allows one to be fulfilled across one’s daily activities. Second, doing better in any area makes the world better. Incremental improvements add up. If we all contribute to making things a little bit better, things will be much better. Lastly, focusing on better produces a positive attitude. A person who improves tends to be a happier person. When this person interacts with others, there is a chance that positivity will spread to them. There is power in better. Fulfillment is found in improvement, not excellence. #### Related Items [[Power]] [[Society]] [[Winning]] [[Learning]] [[Fulfillment]]