Escaping the Trap of Average

But I respectfully disagree. For too long, I bought into the narrative that mediocrity was the worst fate imaginable. I believed I had to avoid being average at all costs.

When I took up running, my goal wasn’t just to get fit; I aimed to conquer ultra-marathons across deserts. In college, I aspired to be the top student. My passion for photography was driven by a desire to achieve instant success. Even reading was a race to consume as many books as possible.

I was determined to escape the clutches of mediocrity, convinced that being average indicated a lack of effort, weakness, and wasted potential. This mindset wasn’t my own; it was absorbed from countless self-help resources I devoured as a teenager.

Pushing Beyond Limits

To avoid being average, I dedicated myself to studying. I spent weekends and late nights at my desk while my peers enjoyed leisure time. The result? I graduated as the top student from a prestigious university. But at what cost?

Isolation set in. My friends stopped inviting me out, knowing I wouldn’t join. I developed an unhealthy relationship with time off, plagued by guilt. My physical health deteriorated; I felt stiff and ached everywhere.

In an attempt to pivot, I shifted my focus to health, committing to a rigorous exercise routine and a strict diet aimed at becoming an ultra-marathon runner. Yet, the inevitable happened—I sustained an injury.

A Moment of Clarity

This injury offered me a chance to reflect. I realized that in my quest for excellence, I had neglected many facets of my life. My relentless studying had cost me my social connections and professional growth. Even with my newfound focus on health, I still struggled to balance everything.

I questioned the trajectory of my life. Was it worthwhile to pursue extremes? I noticed a decline in my happiness. Guilt plagued me when I wasn’t constantly striving for improvement, and I missed out on fulfilling experiences like spending time with friends and enjoying a leisurely day outdoors.

Wisdom from the Buddha

The Buddha wisely stated, “Avoiding extremes, the Perfect One has realized the Middle Path; it gives vision, gives knowledge, and leads to calm, to insight, to enlightenment.” This made me reconsider my aversion to the Middle Path. Being average in various life aspects isn’t something to dread; in fact, it’s inevitable.

Consider someone like Elon Musk. While he excels in business, his roles as a father and husband might not be as impressive.

As I released my fixation on greatness, I gradually regained my happiness. I maintained my academic performance, but I also nurtured my relationships. I balanced my health routine with social outings and expanded my professional network while volunteering at a local charity.

I still have lofty ambitions and understand the value of mastering skills, but I’ve come to accept that I cannot excel in every area. A harmonious blend of mediocrity and ambition is far more rewarding and sustainable than pursuing greatness in all aspects of life.

Beware of Self-Proclaimed Coaches

Don't let self-proclaimed coaches exploit your fear of mediocrity. Instead of fearing the average, recognize that striving to escape it might lead you to miss the essence of life—a balanced existence filled with work, love, spirituality, and joy.

Section 2.1: The Balance of Life

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Subsection 2.1.1: Embracing Everyday Joy

Section 2.2: Redefining Success