One of
the things that many people tend to accept is the goal of becoming “above
average.”
Being above average is safe. Being
the best puts the spotlight on you, requires more bravery and often more
self-honesty.
For those who have an unfounded fear
of standing out – being above average allows them to feel good about themselves
without having to be the best. Being above average is secure. Being great
requires that you challenge yourself, which is hard. Being mediocre and
settling is easier.
The problem with being above average,
though, is that it becomes a pair of padded handcuffs that hold you back and
prevent you from becoming the genius you could be. Just like the leech that
numbs you while it sucks your blood, being above average allows you to feel
just fine with yourself while your true potential is drained right out of you.
“Being above average is to success
what being above ground is to living.”
Be just average. Hell, be below
average; at least that hurts enough that most people react to the pain and try
to improve. Being above average is that dangerous middle ground that isn’t as
painful as below average but not as hard and scary as being the best either.
Its siren call can actually be very strong for a lot of people, and once you’re
there you can become so hypnotized that you lose all interest in anything else.
The most successful people among us
don’t accept mediocrity. They don’t accept learned helplessness. They don’t
accept that they are flawed. They refuse to accept being just another runner in
the race, and if they can’t be the best, then they change races and find one
where they can be. They seek out environments where their talents can make them
the best, not just above average.
If you can’t be the best in what you
do—get the hell out!
Do what Seth Godin talks about in his
book, The Dip. Seth’s advice: “Quit for all the right reasons.” Don’t waste
your potential genius . Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Don’t settle for being anything other than a genius at what you do.
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