Good/bad with maximums?

So, in my food diary it says things like (estimate) 200 carbs per day or 2500 sodium. If you reach those amounts, like 2400 sodium in one day, are you supposed to be happy that you stayed under? Or are you supposed to feel badly that you got so close to going over?

Is the goal to see how MUCH you can stay under - like, try to stay under 1000 sodium per day even though the max is 2400?

Or are the maximums given the amount that is considered good for you....so 200 carbs per day is healthy and should be your goal vs. trying to stay way under 200?

Sorry if confusing. Maybe I am making this too difficult. Thanks for any help!