"Sé bueno o sé bueno en eso"

The essence of "Be good, or be good at it" lies in emphasizing two routes to achieving success or excellence. You can either be inherently virtuous and kind—be good—or you can master your craft, becoming so skilled that your competence speaks for itself—be good at it. It's about finding your path to success, whether through moral integrity or exceptional ability.

Historically, this phrase can be traced to various contexts, though its exact origins aren’t pinned down. It’s been used in motivational speeches, sports coaching, and even in popular culture, emphasizing that you need to bring something valuable to the table. Think of it as a call to action, urging you to either embody goodness or to excel in whatever you do.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine a software company developing a new app. There are two key players here: Alex and Jamie. Alex is the epitome of a great team player—reliable, kind, always willing to help. Alex may not be the top coder, but everyone loves working with them because of their positive attitude. On the other hand, you have Jamie, a coding wizard. Jamie’s skills are unmatched. They might not be the warmest person on the team, but when it comes to getting the job done, Jamie is the go-to person.

Both Alex and Jamie are indispensable to the team. Alex embodies 'being good,' fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Jamie represents 'being good at it,' with technical skills that drive the project forward. The team thrives because it has both kinds of 'good'—the moral support from Alex and the technical prowess from Jamie.

Applying this wisdom in your own life means recognizing where your strengths lie and capitalizing on them. Are you naturally empathetic and kind-hearted? Leverage that to build strong relationships and a supportive network. Or are you highly skilled in a particular area? Focus on sharpening those skills to become the best at what you do. You don’t have to force yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit; find your niche and excel in it.

For a relatable scenario, picture this: you're back in high school, and it's time for the annual talent show. You want to participate, but you’re not sure how. You have a friend, Sam, who’s an amazing singer—seriously, they have a voice that could make the audience cry. Then there’s you, a pretty decent guitarist, but you know your singing isn’t the best. What’s your move?

You could focus on your strengths, team up with Sam, and let their voice shine while you support with your guitar skills. Or, if you’re truly passionate about singing, you could put in the work—take those extra vocal lessons, practice every day, and get good at it. Either way, you’re contributing something valuable and unique.

In the end, it’s about playing to your strengths and either fostering goodness around you or honing your skills to a point where they can’t be ignored. So next time you’re faced with a challenge, think about what you bring to the table. Are you the Alex or the Jamie in this scenario? Embrace it, and either be good or get good at it.