After publishing my last article ‘How Do You View Average?’, I received the following types of comments. Being called average is an insult. People tell me they will never be average because they are not quitters. They tell me that to admit they are average means that they have given up and settled for the life they have rather than fought for the life they want. People say, I am not ugly, I am prettier than average, how can I be average?
They are wrong…
Being proud to be average does not mean that you have given up on being the best you that you can be. It does not mean that you are not beautiful, smart or talented. It does not mean that you can not excel in certain areas or even prevent you from being an expert in your field. It does not mean you have settled for less than you deserve or that you have less value than anyone else. Nor does it mean you have failed.
So what does being average mean?
Simply, it means that you are you. You will have success and failures. It is part of what helps us learn and grow. Your are beautiful! You do not have to be a super model to be beautiful. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and personalities. You are intelligent and you do excel in certain areas. It means that you never give up and are always trying to be the best you that you can be. You acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and continuing to improve yourself. Some of the most successful people in the world were ‘C’ students, experienced failures, were fired from jobs and turned those experiences into success.
In life, so many people put expectations on us, often unrealistic. The media, communities, parents, friends, partners, employers all voice who they think we are, what we should do and who we should be. Not everyone is athletic, artistic, book smart or petite. We all have different capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. It does not mean we are weak or have less value than someone who is better at something than we are. There will always be someone better at something.
The problem with all these expectations, is that we are set up for failure. When we can not achieve the unrealistic expectations we feel like we have failed, disappointed people, can get depressed and even feel like giving up. The key is to understand all these voices in our heads are not our own, and to find our own voice. Find the true you: your wants, your goals, your strengths and your weaknesses. Then build upon that. By setting realistic goals you can achieve anything!
By understanding what we are capable of, understanding our true self and continuing to improve ourselves, we will excel. Accepting yourself for who you are will create more happiness and success. Use your strengths to guide you and you will succeed. Be proud! You are average, and to be average is simply amazing!