What If “Fine” Is the Problem?

Lately, I’ve been navigating a Red Marker Moment in real time—and I’ll be honest, it’s scary. It’s stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. But the vision I’m holding is brighter, bolder, and more beautiful than anything I thought possible just a few months ago.

That’s why this week, I want to talk about one of the sneakiest ways we hold ourselves back: the habit of settling for fine.

Because “fine” is a liar. It’s a polite, socially acceptable way to shut the door on deeper truth.
“How’s your job?” Fine.
“How’s your relationship?” Fine.
“How’s your life?” …Fine?

It may be quick and easy, but here’s the hard truth: “fine” is where dreams go to fizzle. It’s the path of least resistance—but also least joy, least growth, and least you.

If you’ve been responding with “fine” lately, I see you. I’ve been there too.
But we don’t have to stay there.

🔥 Fine Is a Four-Letter F Word

Let’s be honest—“fine” doesn’t light anyone up. It’s vague. It’s safe. It’s a holding pattern dressed up like a conclusion. It tells the world (and ourselves), don’t ask, don’t push, don’t dream.

But here’s the thing: you always have a choice.

You may not like the alternatives. You may not know how to take the next step. But the moment you tell yourself you don’t have a choice, you shut down the very energy that makes transformation possible.

🎨 The Watercolor Reminder

I’ve recently started exploring watercolor painting—something new, something creative, something just for me. One day, I realized I didn’t have any green paint. It wasn’t a big deal at the time... until I imagined trying to paint shamrocks in March or pine trees in December. Suddenly, not having green? Not so fine.

That’s how “fine” works in life, too. It may seem acceptable now. But over time, it limits you. It makes you paint a smaller, duller picture than the one you really want to create.

💡 A Quote I Love

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
—Jim Rohn

This line hits home because it’s a reminder that transformation isn’t random—it’s intentional. You don’t stumble your way into a phenomenal life. You choose it. You create it. You stop accepting “fine” and start reaching for more. It doesn’t have to happen all at once—but it does start with one bold shift.

🛑 So What Do You Do Instead?

Start with two small shifts:

1. Stop using the word “fine.”
   Treat it like the four-letter word it is. It’s a placeholder that dims your truth.
   
   
2. Pick a new word—and ask yourself what would need to change for that word to be true.
   Instead of saying “My life is fine,” imagine saying, “My life is joyful” or “My life is aligned.”
   Then ask: what needs to shift to make that my reality?
   
   

This isn’t just wordplay—it’s vision setting. It’s the first draft of your next chapter.

🚨 Make It Visual

Here’s a little challenge:
Write the word FINE on an index card.
Then grab a red marker (yes, that red marker) and draw a giant X through it.

Post it where you’ll see it daily—as a reminder that “fine” isn’t the standard anymore. You’re aiming for phenomenal.

Ready to Stop Settling?

If you’re ready to move beyond “fine” and into something more exciting, here’s your next step: get on my email list.

Why? Because in the next few weeks, I’ll be announcing dates for a brand new free masterclass where you’ll get a glimpse of the same strategies I use with my 1:1 High Performance Coaching clients. You’ll leave with something you can take action on immediately.

And in October, I’ll be revealing a HUGE new way to work with me—something bold, something different—and my subscribers will hear about it first, before anyone else.

👉 Click here to join my list and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

And if you’d like to hear me share more thoughts around this topic, you can tune into my podcast:
🎧 Listen to Episode 19: Beyond Fine—It’s Time to Challenge the Status Quo

Because you weren’t made for fine. You were made for PHENOMENAL.