Why Most People Are Average and How to Rise Above
Hellen M. Ndirangu
Goal Strategist | Growth Accelerator | Personal Growth Architect & Productivity Coach | Empowering great people to turn their goals into reality and move from overwhelmed to efficient with purpose for sculpted success.
In any field, most people tend to fall into the "average" category. This isn't a critique but a reflection of societal norms and pressures that shape our daily habits and aspirations. But what does "average" really mean? It means conforming to the norm, following the path of least resistance, and often not pushing oneself beyond the comfort zone. The good news is that anyone can transition from average to good and ultimately to great. Here’s a deeper look into why this happens and how you can break free from the average mold and move towards greatness.
Understanding Why Most People Are Average
1.Lack of Clear Goals: Many people don't set clear, defined goals. Without a destination in mind, it's easy to drift and settle for mediocrity.
2.Fear of Failure: The fear of failing can be paralyzing. It prevents people from taking risks and trying new things, which are essential for growth.
3.Comfort Zone: It's easy to stay where it's comfortable. Average people often avoid discomfort, challenges, and the unknown.
4. Lack of Self-Discipline: Success requires consistent effort and self-discipline. Many people struggle with maintaining the habits and routines needed for long-term success.
5.Comparison and Imitation: Instead of carving their own path, average individuals often compare themselves to others and imitate their actions, which stifles their unique potential.
Strategies to Move from Average to Good to Great
Set Clear, Ambitious Goals
Define what you want to achieve. Break your goals down into actionable steps and set deadlines. Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) alternatively you can use the W.O.O.P method:
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Redefine your relationship with failure. Understand that failure is not the opposite of success but a part of the journey. Each failure is a lesson that brings you closer to your goals. For example, Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. He viewed each failure as a step towards his final success.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Regularly challenge yourself to do things that scare you or make you uncomfortable. Growth happens when you push your boundaries. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone regularly. Start small, like trying a new hobby, then gradually take on bigger challenges, such as public speaking or learning a new skill. For example: If public speaking terrifies you, join a local Toastmasters club and practice speaking in front of others.
Develop Self-Discipline
Build habits that support your goals. This might include a morning routine, regular exercise, time management techniques, and mindfulness practices. For example: Author James Clear suggests starting with small habits, like reading one page a day, which can eventually lead to reading one book a week.
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Focus on Your Unique Strengths
Identify what makes you unique and leverage those strengths. Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey. For example: Instead of imitating successful entrepreneurs, Steve Jobs focused on his unique vision and strengths, which led to the creation of groundbreaking products.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Commit to lifelong learning. Stay curious, seek new knowledge, and adapt to changes. The world is constantly evolving, and staying stagnant means falling behind. For example: Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors, spends a significant portion of his day reading and learning to stay informed and make better decisions.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Surround yourself with people who challenge you and provide constructive feedback. Find mentors who can guide you and share their experiences. For example: Bill Gates regularly seeks feedback from trusted advisors and credits mentorship from Warren Buffett as a significant influence on his success. Jim Rohn said:
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Your environment significantly influences your mindset and behavior.
Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness
Cultivate a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness. This helps you stay focused, positive, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Surround Yourself with the Right People:
Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Your environment significantly influences your mindset and behavior. Seek out mentors, join professional groups, and network with individuals who inspire and challenge you. Positive peer pressure can elevate your standards and ambitions.
Master Your Craft:
Look at artists, scientists, or entrepreneurs who are at the top of their fields. They didn’t just learn the basics; they mastered their craft through relentless practice and improvement. Commit to mastering your skills. This involves deep practice, seeking feedback, and continuously refining your abilities. Aim for excellence in whatever you do.
Take Calculated Risks:
Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Assess potential rewards and setbacks, then make informed decisions. Innovation and progress often require stepping into the unknown.
Give Back:
Many great leaders, emphasize giving back to the community. Their impact extends beyond personal success to societal contributions. Find ways to contribute to others. This could be mentoring, volunteering, or supporting causes you care about. Giving back enriches your life and adds a deeper sense of purpose.
The journey to greatness is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stay persistent, and keep working on yourself.
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