If I were to ask you right now, when was the last time you did something that brought you joy without needing to be the best at it, would you have an honest answer? Unfortunately, we are currently living in a society that values excellence and perfection so highly that being ‘average’ is seen as an insult.
Competition has become so intense that we often focus solely on reaching the top without appreciating the journey or the middle steps along the way. Many of us have given up hobbies or passions simply because we did not feel we were ‘good enough’.
As an observer of social media, I feel it plays a significant role in this, as it showcases millions of people living seemingly extraordinary lives. From perfect report cards to impressive LinkedIn profiles, luxurious vacations, fine dining experiences, dream careers and ideal bodies, the pressure to appear exceptional is constant. This constant comparison can lead to confusion between self-worth and achievements.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider what it means to be ‘average’. Being average does not mean being unworthy; it means being human. Most of us fall into the category of average and that's perfectly normal. True happiness comes from finding contentment and balance in our lives. The daily routine of getting up, working, cooking, caring, loving, worrying, trying, resting and repeating brings a sense of beauty and stability to life.
Embracing imperfection and understanding that our worth is not defined by achievements or recognition is key. You can love your job without aspiring to be the boss, enjoy painting without being a famous artist, or find joy in cooking without being a master chef. It is okay to do things for yourself, find joy in them and take pride in knowing you are not doing them to prove your perfection to the world.
For instance, engaging in an activity like running, even if one is the slowest on the team, can still provide a sense of achievement simply through consistent participation. This mindset extends to creative pursuits, where the act of creation itself, such as writing to process emotions or explore ideas, can be more valuable than the pursuit of an ‘exceptional’ final product.
The freedom derived from averageness allows for exploration, trying new experiences and spending time with loved ones without the burden of needing to excel. It encourages participation for intrinsic reasons, such as fun or personal growth, rather than for external recognition.
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