Let’s talk about the “f-word” and how you should stop saying it in all aspects of your life. We’re talking about the word F-I-N-E. All by itself, this word is meant to represent how things are going well – even exceptionally well. Using this word in phrases such as “fine dining” and “a fine day” give you an idea that these things are at the highest quality. However, we often let the word slip out when things are not at their best or we’re less than content.
What We Mean
When using the word to describe our day, we really just mean that things could be much better. But why do we say a word that is supposed to be positive in such a negative and untasteful way? After all, we aren’t teenagers answering our parents about how our day was just “fine.”
We don’t want to say “horrible” or “less than perfect” because we feel it’s best to put a positive spin on things. We use this easy, go-to word not to describe how things are going, but more so how we are feeling about said things. We are reduced to one word that means very little when we have 171,475 more words in the English dictionary (yes, I looked this up) to actually describe a situation.
Don’t Settle
If a supervisor says that your work is “fine,” it generally means that it is acceptable rather than exceptional. When you press yourself to ask what can be changed to improve upon your work, you will be met with acknowledgement, self-pride and the extra edge needed to grow your career. When it comes to your work, you nor anyone else should ever feel like it is “fine.”
Say More!
Instead of using this four-letter word, try to think of describing what is good and what is not when someone asks. As an example, “my day is going really well, I just feel like this document is not at its potential.” This shows that yes something is less than perfect and is acknowledged, but also shows that this is a small part of the puzzle. Pushing yourself past the point of “fine” will have to be a conscious effort. If you make a practice to stop saying the “f” word, you’ll find yourself happier and more fulfilled in most aspects of your life.
