Posted in Philosophy

The Goal: Average

Posted on by simplebender

Ask yourself if you would rather be called ‘Average’ or, ‘Average At All Things’?

No, seriously, ask yourself; and give the question a lot of thought.  They are different.  How you answer could dictate your outlook on your entire life and influence your assessment of everyone around you.

Be realistic as you ponder this.  Every day you strive to excel in so many things; your relationships, profession, education, arts, hobbies, and athletics.  You measure yourself against your peers and your competition.  Your supervisor and coach assess your performance and give you advice on how to improve.  Your peers and competition may not be so willing to help you excel.  Those with whom you are in a relationship; well, they shouldn’t be trying to change you, they should be accepting and enjoying (but that’s a topic for later).

Of course, you’re not ‘average’; that’s for someone else; the other folks not trying as hard as you to be the best.  And you’ll be damned if you’ll accept being average at all things; you work too hard.  Be realistic….

What does being ‘Average’ really mean?  Statistically, it’s a single measure which summarizes the general significance of a set of unequal values.  It means, if you honestly assess your relative level of performance, or expertise, you are going to be better than some and inferior to others.  Strive as you might, as they are too, there will always be those better and worse than you across the spectrum of your life activities.

If you’re ‘Average At All Things’ you acquiesce being, or striving to be, better than anyone at anything.  You accept mediocrity.  You will neglect some aspects and struggle in others.  Will you not strive to improve in those areas you can?  Will you take for granted your natural talent?

If your answer is yes; then enjoy the stagnation of mediocrity.  Forever forgoing the intoxication of victory and the power of re-commitment after failure.

As for me, I’m working and training just to be called ‘average’… but down-deep for ‘above average’.

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Author:

William C. Barron is a published author of numerous technical articles and a regular guest columnist in regional news outlets. This blog (simplebender.com) has garnered an international readership across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Graduating from The University of Texas and now a retired petroleum engineer, William brings decades of global experience, having worked professionally on three continents—above the Arctic Circle and below the Equator. His career has spanned roles from offshore roustabout to engineer, operations manager, and senior corporate executive. He also served as Director of the Oil and Gas Division for the State of Alaska. Currently, he is the Principal of Trispectrum Consulting. He is a co-holder of several patents and has provided expert testimony before state legislatures and at numerous public forums. Outside of his professional achievements, William is a seasoned endurance athlete. He has represented Team USA at multiple ITU Duathlon World Championships, completed the Boston Marathon, and finished numerous half-Ironman and Ironman events. ....always seeking... always learning.... Be Bold.....Never Fear the Dream.....Stand for Truth

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