Stop Celebrating “Passing”: Why Raising Your Standards Changes Everything

Last month, my son Max—an 8th grader—brought home a D in math. Naturally, we reached out to his teacher to understand what was going on and how we could help him improve. The teacher reassured us that Max was doing “so much better” this quarter. So when progress reports came out, we expected major progress. A B… maybe even a B-minus.

But the result?
D+.

And then came the line that shook us:
“Well… at least a D is passing.”

That one statement revealed what the world is normalizing today: do the minimum, stay average, check the box, and applaud yourself for “passing.” It’s mediocrity dressed up as progress.

But here’s the problem—especially if you’re an entrepreneur:
Passing is not rewarded. Average is not celebrated. Bare minimum does not build legacy.

In our home, “passing” is not the standard. Excellence is. Because excellence and mediocrity cannot coexist—and this extends far beyond school.

Entrepreneurs don’t get paid for showing up.
They don’t earn freedom for giving “just enough.”
They don’t build admired brands with D+ effort.

Success requires discomfort. It requires doing what average people won’t. It requires raising your own bar—especially when no one else is holding you to it.

And the world won’t push you toward greatness.
It will nudge you toward average.
It will hand you excuses, distractions, and participation trophies.

That’s why so many people stay stuck at D+ results while wanting A+ outcomes.

So here’s the challenge:

Stop accepting “passing.”
Stop celebrating “slightly better than last time.”
Stop dragging D+ energy into a business meant to fund your dream life.

Seek excellence everywhere:
– Excellence in your pricing
– Excellence in your follow-up
– Excellence in your habits
– Excellence in your leadership
– Excellence in your decisions
– Excellence in how you see yourself

Your goals will never reward mediocrity—and deep down, you already know the actions you’ve been avoiding.

Start now.
Draw the line.
Raise the bar.
Act like the version of you who already has the success you’re aiming for.

You’re not average.
You were never meant to be average.
Now it’s time to stop acting like you are.

Keep moving forward.

# excellence, mediocrity, entrepreneurship, mindset, self-improvement, business growth, personal standards, motivation, performance, discipline #