I reached a point where being 'fine' just wasn't enough. It felt bland and unsettled, and I realized that many women spend years, sometimes decades, stuck in that uncertain space. The question hit me: Why settle for 'fine' when life could be so much more? That realization pushed me to look hard at the times I let myself drift along, feeling reassured by the idea that 'fine' was good enough. But the closer I looked, the more obvious it became: mediocrity isn’t something that just happens, it’s a choice. And we make it every day we ignore that restless feeling inside us that wants something better.
Mediocrity isn’t something that just happens, it’s a choice.
The curse of 'fine': why mediocrity lulls us
The comfort of 'fine' can be quietly suffocating. It lulls us into routines that feel safe but don’t inspire us to grow. Take Kayla Gedda, who found herself in this very position in her corporate career, secure, but far from fulfilled. This pattern is familiar for many, deeply rooted in American work culture shaped by the Industrial Revolution, which normalized long hours as the price of productivity. But in reality, it mostly led to burnout, not satisfaction.
Women, especially in midlife, are often told to be grateful for what they have, a message that can discourage ambition.
Women, especially in midlife, are often told to be grateful for what they have, a message that can discourage ambition and mask dissatisfaction as acceptance. But there’s a cost to staying in this state. It dampens dreams and makes us believe settling is normal. Recognizing this, seeing just how unremarkable 'fine' can be, is often the first step toward choosing a life driven by passion and meaning instead.
Reclaiming time and personal worth
Now imagine a world where a four-hour workday isn’t just wishful thinking but a real possibility. That’s what Gedda and her mother, Lisa Limada, set out to build together: a business focused on real impact instead of constant busyness. By stepping away from the belief that self-worth is tied to grinding nonstop, they not only reclaim their time but redefine what it means to succeed, a sharp break from the culture of overwork.
They not only reclaim their time but redefine what it means to succeed, a sharp break from the culture of overwork.
In this new approach, personal power comes from being true to yourself. Success isn’t measured by salary alone but by experiences that actually feel valuable and bring fulfillment. This shift lets women break free from outdated ideas of value and find freedom in letting their strengths shine outside traditional expectations.
Embracing the courage to live authentically
Escaping the trap of 'fine' means finding the courage to shape your life around what you really want and what makes you feel worthy. It’s not easy, society trains us for compliance, but Gedda urges women to take the risk anyway. For her, entrepreneurship offers both practical steps and a symbol of living bravely outside prescribed roles. She reframes sales as an act of service: business success doesn’t have to come at anyone’s expense; it can benefit everyone involved.
Letting go of fear makes room for real possibility.
This way of thinking calls for bigger purpose, inviting us to live by our values rather than habit or fear. Instead of coasting along just to get by, we can aim higher: toward thriving, contributing, and claiming our place without apology. Letting go of fear makes room for real possibility. The question then becomes: are you willing to leave 'fine' behind and choose something more?