In the excerpt from Nick Hornby's "How to Be Good," the narrator reflects on the struggle of starting the day with good intentions, only to quickly find oneself feeling guilty. This highlights the internal conflict many face when trying to align their actions with their moral ideals. Despite the initial determination to make positive choices, external circumstances or personal flaws can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy.

This sentiment resonates with the broader human experience, where the pursuit of being ‘good’ often feels thwarted by the complexities of life. The narrator's journey underscores the challenge of maintaining high moral standards in everyday situations, revealing the paradox many encounter between intention and reality.