Better job Quote by Richard O'Connor
““Procrastination is a way for us to be satisfied with second-rate results; we can always tell ourselves we'd have done a better job if only we had more time...If you're good at rationalizing, you can keep yourself feeling rather satisfied this way, but it's a cheap happy. You're whittling your expectations of yourself down lower and lower.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Personal Development Talk, 2015
People often justify low effort by convincing themselves they’re content with mediocre outcomes, but this rationalization lowers self‑expectations and yields shallow satisfaction.
In simple terms: Excuses let us accept mediocrity, lowering our standards.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reject rationalizations that justify poor effort.
Themes
self‑discipline
expectations
motivation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- workplace deadlines
- academic projects
- personal goals
- creative pursuits
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑handicapping
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards are you lowering for yourself?
- How does rationalizing affect your long‑term success?
A Different Perspective
Rationalizing can temporarily ease discomfort but prevents growth and true achievement.
![“[On President Bush's plan to get to Mars in 10 years] Stupid. Robots would do a better job and be much cheaper because you don't have to bring them back.” quote by Stephen Hawking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f9/stephen-hawking-389_better-job_on-president-bush-s-plan-to-get-to-mars_42167.jpg)
