When is good not good enough? We usually think of such an expression in a negative light. We might think of a parent pushing his or her child to achieve greatness. We might also think of a company intimidating its employees telling them that a good performance doesn’t cut it and that they should be making more money. However, let’s try and rework that statement into a positive one.

Good is not good enough if you are unsatisfied. Now that is a mantra you can relate to. While you may be living a good life and have much to be thankful for, you may still feel unfulfilled. If you have exceptional talents or a world of experience that you want to use to help others then why should you be content to be “good” at what you do? Wouldn’t it be better to be great at something or to use your resources to bring great things to the world?

Unfortunately, many people remain “good” at what they do without ever dreaming of a better life. Perhaps they lack self-confidence. Perhaps they are browbeaten by others, or even by the media and popular stereotypes—the voices that say they will never amount to anything. Without encouragement it is very difficult to progress to anything beyond good.

You have to want it. You have to have the ambition before you can achieve greatness. Greatness is a general word used to describe something that is out of the ordinary. However, you are the one that will come up with the great ideas and put forth the effort to bring about these great changes.

Who wants to be considered good, or average, when they can reach for the stars and succeed? Remember, you are the one who makes your own destiny. You are the one who sets your limitations and who creates your dreams. Do not let other people define your measure of success. Do not let others dictate that you are “good” at something and relegate you to a role you don’t want to play.

Instead work on forming your own vision of success! There is no sin in having ambition and wanting more for yourself than the status quo. Besides, when you reach your pinnacle in life you are able to encourage others and give something back to the world. Never be content with good if you think greatness is within your reach!

Albert Mensah is a Certified Speaking Professional. Originally from the impoverished African nation of Ghana, Albert travels the country speaking, motivating and inspiring. He has performed as a keynote speaker for companies including Allstate Insurance, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, John Deere Corporation, Wells Fargo and more. Visit www.AlbertMensah.com to learn more.