Jack of All Trades, Master of None: How I Deal With Being Mediocre
We are under so much pressure to be the greatest. We are bombarded with exceptionalism every day. Social media, literature, television, movies, and societal conditioning all contribute to this extreme wave of pressure. They all lead us to feel that being mediocre is a flaw in character. However, I embrace myself as being mediocre.
Well, most people associate mediocrity with being extremely ordinary and morbid, but in my opinion, mediocrity is a great thing in life. Mediocre means “average,” and I consider myself a mediocre person. Average in studies, average in sports as well. No prodigious skills, no inborn talent, and nothing really extraordinary.
But as soon as I accepted that I’m only mediocre, I understood that there are downsides as well. However as time went on, I learned more about who I was and how to live with my mediocrity. This enables me to accept my mediocrity and discover constructive ways to deal with it.
How do I deal with being mediocre
What are its drawbacks?
I first learn how mediocrity negatively affects me before I even start to wear it with pride. One of them is that I frequently compare myself with others, especially those I believe to be better than me. When I started college, I became aware that some of my classmates were more skilled and experienced than I am. However, I realized that it just depresses me and that I dwell too much on it instead of working on myself.
Moreover, I worry a lot about myself and my future. I always ponder how my skills will develop over time and whether I will achieve my dreams. Additionally, I am continuously being told that “I am not good enough” by voices in my head. Those voices constantly act as a reminder that I lack the knowledge and expertise.
In addition, I came to the realization that I play things safe because I fear failure more than I do mediocrity. I take fewer risks and try to do average things. Everyday tasks become challenging, and avoiding risk feels more depressing than doing it.
What’s great about being mediocre?
Knowing how mediocrity affected me personally makes it easier to look at its positive side. I mentioned that I feel insecure with my classmates. But I’ve come to realize that I should spend time with them and get knowledge from them rather than becoming insecure. It turned out to be a fantastic approach to enhancing my learning rate.
Moreover, I also came to the realization that I don’t have to overcomplicate life; I can just thoroughly enjoy the demands of each day as they come. I realize that my own mediocrity has enabled me to appreciate life for its own sake. Bhagvadgeeta even asserts that life’s primary objective must be constantly striving. This opportunity comes from mediocrity because nothing comes easily. Striving is the only way to acquire substance.
In addition, I learned to understand that mediocrity is a gift—in fact, it’s a blessing. Practice makes a man perfect is the saying that pops into my head. It is simply intended for mediocre people. The first step on the way to perfection is mediocrity. But at the same time, being mediocre shouldn’t stop you from striving for more or developing your abilities.
How to deal with it
Being aware of the positive aspects of being mediocre is the first step in overcoming it. The following stage is to give in to your curiosity. I accomplish this by being aware of my interests and what I take in as I go about my regular activities. What draws my attention as I browse the web or skim through social media? What activities do I love the most at work or at school? These insignificant things serve as hints of what truly excites me.
In addition, I value hard work. There are no reliable shortcuts to figuring out what I’m good at. I try not to lose patience during this process. Setting specific objectives that I can concentrate on and work toward helps me. In a similar manner, I put a little more attention into what I do. When it happens, I think to myself, “How could I improve this a little?” Now I apply that to every aspect of my life.
The next thing is that I give myself the freedom to enjoy the little things. I always enjoy the small things I accomplish and do. Additionally, I get competitive. Due to my intense competitive nature, I make better use of it, and my greatest competitor is myself. Every time I do something, my standards are raised. Sometimes I choose one ability I want to develop, and each week I raise my bar by working harder than the week before.
The next piece of advice I have is to improve yourself rather than think that people are superior to you. Thinking in such a manner will let feelings of inferiority intrude and cause trouble.
In the end
Mediocrity is a societal concept. People have been forced to comply with it. Our minds have been appealed to. However, a man is free at birth. Social expectations gradually erode this natural independence. An opportunity’s birth gradually transforms into one of obedience.
Even if you are not the brightest person, you can still enjoy learning. Despite not having the best voice, you love to sing. Have a passion for writing yet not be the best. Despite not being an NBA player, you love to play basketball.
In actuality, the majority of us perform on pace with mediocrity in most endeavors. A mountain can be climbed, a marathon run, or a book written by any individual. But how many of us actually do? And perhaps more importantly, do you even want to?
