In a world where more people seem to be taking a near enough is good enough attitude, can we make a collective effort to “be bothered?”
While some may perceive it as pickiness – and yes, I am pedantic, and have been referred to as Picky Vikki – I was brought up on the principle that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Why should we settle for subpar? By embodying the spirit of “be bothered,” we produce better quality work by paying attention to detail, and a commitment to at least some level of excellence.
I’m getting tired of seeing professionals turning in half-finished work as complete, and I don’t know if it’s because they haven’t been educated correctly, if they don’t ask for input, or if they honestly think what they’ve produced looks good.
Embracing a higher standard
At the heart of the spirit of “be bothered” lies the understanding that every task holds intrinsic value. Whether it is a personal project, professional assignment, or a simple daily chore, approaching it with diligence and care can yield remarkable results. There is pride in doing something properly.
Being bothered means going beyond the bare minimum. It requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to invest time and effort. By setting high standards, we raise the bar for ourselves and inspire those around us to do the same.
Rejecting half-hearted efforts
In a fast-paced culture that is moving towards shortcuts and quick fixes, being bothered stands in stark contrast. It rejects the notion of half-assing things and emphasizes the importance of thoroughness. Near enough is not good enough.
Half-hearted efforts rarely lead to fulfilling outcomes, and they often perpetuate a cycle of mediocrity. By contrast, being bothered compels us to take ownership of our responsibilities and see them through to completion with unwavering dedication.
It is an acknowledgment that excellence requires commitment and a refusal to settle for less. It doesn’t mean that every project needs to be better than the last. It just means that you need to pay attention and not settle for standards that are barely passing.
Collaboration and delegation
Being bothered also encompasses recognizing our limitations and knowing when to seek assistance.
If a task is beyond our capabilities or we find ourselves lacking the necessary motivation, find someone who does have the time and skill. This not only ensures that the job is done properly but also fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support.
We should all be aware of our personal limitations. And while we can learn by pushing those limitations, it’s not usually a good business decision to let guesswork creep into a project when you can get to a better outcome through collaboration. By entrusting tasks to capable individuals who share our commitment to excellence, we not only relieve ourselves of undue burden but also create opportunities for others to shine.
Ask for opinions! A few moments of collaboration with a like-minded person or another expert in your field can help you see your project from another perspective and often help you catch things you didn’t see.
The ripple effect of excellence
When we adopt the “be bothered” mindset, it has a ripple effect on our surroundings. Our dedication to doing things well influences and inspires those around us. By setting an example of excellence, we encourage others to raise their own standards and approach their endeavors with the same level of care and commitment. The collective impact of a society driven by excellence fosters growth, innovation, and progress.
In a world that often emphasizes speed-to-market and prioritizes convenience over quality, embracing the mantra of “be bothered” is powerful.
By holding ourselves accountable for doing things properly and demanding excellence in our work, we can contribute to a society that thrives on diligence, attention to detail, and a refusal to settle for anything less than the best.
Can we all take time to be bothered?