---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I know I've done good work. I've been…"
description: "\"I know I've done good work. I've been very serious about my writing, and I've done the best that I could. But I don't feel that I've done more than I s..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d78/grace-paley-3243_done_i-know-i-ve-done-good-work-i-ve-been-ver_478314.jpg"
---

#  I know I've done good work. I've been very serious about…

![“I know I've done good work. I've been very serious about my writing, and I've done the best that I could. But I don't feel that I've done more than I should have. In fact, I've done less than I should have.” quote by Grace Paley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d78/grace-paley-3243_done_i-know-i-ve-done-good-work-i-ve-been-ver_478314.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d78/grace-paley-3243_done_i-know-i-ve-done-good-work-i-ve-been-ver_478314.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d78/grace-paley-3243_done_i-know-i-ve-done-good-work-i-ve-been-ver_478314.jpg)

> “I know I've done good work. I've been very serious about my writing, and I've done the best that I could. But I don't feel that I've done more than I should have. In fact, I've done less than I should have.”

[Grace Paley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-paley/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She feels she has worked hard but still falls short of her own expectations, revealing a gap between effort and self‑satisfaction.

**In simple terms:** Hard work yet feeling inadequate.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and celebrate real achievements.

Themes

self‑doubt perfectionism creative work

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

personal motivational

When to use this quote

- writing projects
- career reviews
- personal reflection

Key Concepts

self‑evaluation expectation management

Questions to Reflect On

- What achievements can you acknowledge today?
- How can you set realistic standards?

A Different Perspective

Self‑assessment can be harsh and overlook progress.

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