Excellence versus good enough. Escoffier's disciplined mastery meets Mrs. Gillette's practical wisdom.
Auguste EscoffiervsMrs. F.L. Gillette
I feel like I'm failing at everything. My house is a mess. Dinner is cereal or takeout. I forgot my son's school picture day. I missed a deadline at work because I was at a doctor appointment for my kid. My mother-in-law shares her opinions about all of this. She raised four kids, kept an immaculate house, and had dinner on the table at 6 o'clock every night. When I say times are different now, she says "standards are standards." I know I can't do everything, but I feel like I'm not doing anything well. Should I lower my standards and accept "good enough," or should I get more organized and disciplined so I can actually achieve excellence in at least some areas?
"Good cooking is the foundation of genuine happiness—but simplicity is the keynote of elegance"
A well-organized kitchen is the foundation of a great restaurant—and a great home. But organization means ruthless prioritization, not doing everything. Choose three things that matter most. Do those excellently. Release the rest without guilt.
"A well-ordered household is the foundation of a happy life—but order serves the family, not the reverse"
Practical knowledge, applied with care, elevates daily life. But your mother-in-law raised children in a different economy. The goal is not an immaculate house but a home where people feel loved. Cereal for dinner with present parents beats a formal meal with exhausted ones.
83 votes total