Why does the term average have so many negative connotations attached to it? Why has society convinced us that average is less socially acceptable than the extraordinary?
How do you view Average?
We have spent years trying to live up to unrealistic standards. We have attempted to conform our bodies to look like those “Sexy” men and women with bodacious bodies. We have colored, plucked, waxed, sculpted, “enhanced”, de-wrinkled, accessorized etc., to achieve our desired look or status. We have practiced relentlessly to be the best athlete, studied hard for best grades, took boring monotonous jobs, competed with other parents, sat on the PTA, over extended our budgets to have more luxuries etc., to achieve desired goals or status.
Some of these things may actually be something we personally wanted, but majority of these actions was to achieve an above average, extraordinary appearance or social status. We have set unrealistic unobtainable goals, chasing after the impossible. When we have been unable to achieve most of these goals, we may become frustrated, angry, depressed or even feel like a failure.
How many voices do you hear?
Whether we realize it or not, many of our thoughts, desires and goals are not originally ours. We have so many voices in our heads it can be hard to decipher which one is ours. From birth we are taught and exposed to ideals of our surroundings. Our parents, family, friends, schools, churches, media and society have given us direction. They have told us who we are and who we should be.
Did you always want to go to medical school? Or was it what your parents wanted? Did you plan to take over your family store? Or was it what your family requires? Do you actually enjoy playing your sport and “hope” to someday be a semi-pro or professional player? Or is this your parents dream that they are trying to vicariously live through you? Did you always want to Marry, have 2.3 children with a two bedroom house and white picket fence? Or is it the society norm that gave you this goal?
Find YOUR voice & Set realistic goals
Each of your goals and dreams CAN be obtainable within reason. First we need to both understand and accept that certain things may never be physically possibly. Majority of people cannot physically conform our bodies to look like the ones in the magazines. The Average person has an Average build that cannot possibly be molded into the images in the media. We will have things we excel in, things we are average at and others we are below average.
Find your own voice. Acknowledge what is realistic and what is not. Accept that majority of us are Average, and that it is ok. Figure out what you want and put together a plan to achieve it. Make a couple big goals with several mini goals, which become the stepping stones to achieve the larger goals. Each time you reach the mini goals check it off your list, celebrate your success and then move on to the next goal.
Average is Beautiful!
It is time to get back to the basics! We ARE average and being Average is beautiful. Majority of humankind is Average. Celebrities, Super Models, Professional Athletes and other Exceptional’s are the minority. Be loud and proud of who you are. Be the best you, you can be. Your job, car, social status doesn’t define you. Be the true you!
Take your stand in the Average movement and help us change the negative way being Average is viewed!