“Average” Isn’t Good Enough

Mediocre, in the middle, so so, average…

It’s time for a change.

How was your day today?

If you answered “fine” or “alright I guess” it’s time to consider how you can make your day “great” or “fabulous” (not in a superficial way, but in a deep-down, sincere and meaningful way).

This is possible, but first we have to recognize that “okay” or “average” won’t cut it anymore.

It’s tough, considering that society has trained us, conditioned us, groomed us to be middle-of-the-road folks.

Think about it.

Obedience, compliance, rule books, keeping your head down, and “don’t-make-any-waves-and-you’ll-be-just-fine” is what surrounds us and engulfs us as kids. From the second we step toe into kindergarten class and enter into the system.

This is our education. This is our world.

Granted, I had the very good fortune to be taught by some exceptional teachers who refused to follow the manual and teach with their hearts. These teachers made a lasting impression and they are all remarkable.

Unfortunately, there are many educators who are highly institutionalized (in every discipline – from ballet to advanced chemistry), so too are countless bosses, managers and supervisors. They put in bare minimum effort and wonder why no one (students, employees, customers etc) is paying attention. This is how we achieve mediocrity in huge numbers. Through junior school, middle school, high school and yes, even in our post-secondary education, and finally, in the work force.

It’s all there, all the time.  Follow instructions, try to fit in, don’t do anything to stand out or you’ll be embarrassed, and shut up. Be average.

Let me be clear - it’s not the type of work that we do that makes us average it’s how we do that work. It’s all about having the heart to make your work worth while – to make your job meaningful, and to make your life extraordinary.

If you are a garbage man, then you be the best damn garbage man you can be! Society needs you – we would be walking around in trash if we didn’t have you!

Or, if you are a circus performer – get on your apparatus and train till your hearts content so that when performance day comes you will ooze confidence, love and passion.

Time to make being average a thing of the past. No more lemmings please. (You know, the hamster-like rodents that are notorious for following the pack off a cliff to certain death?)

The status quo is simply a circle of mediocrity perpetuated by those of us too comfortable, too complacent or too lazy to make a change in our own lives.

Let’s stop being “fine” and start focusing on how we can be excellent. Let’s get going.

See you on the other side.

Tagged as: Education, Educators, High school, Higher education, Kindergarten, Middle school, Teacher