I’m mediocre.

There, I said it.

It’s hard to admit to mediocrity in a world that values those who stand out. However, there’s nothing special about me or what I’m doing in the world.

At least, this is the story I told myself for a long time.

Take a moment and assess all of the things around you that promote your being average. These are the things that keep you powerless that keep you from going beyond the “limit” you set for yourself.” — Stewart Emery, “Actualization: You don’t have to rehearse to be yourself.”

It is remarkable how much mediocrity we live with and accept.

We surround ourselves with daily reminders that the average is acceptable.

Honestly, the world suffers from terminal normality by valuing:

• Fitting in over self-expression
• Perfect results over learning and improving
• Delivering on time over doing your best work
• Following a process over innovating

As you go through the week, pay attention to the times you’re holding yourself back.

It’s not hard to do.

Pay attention to that little voice in your head that says things like, “I couldn’t possibly …” or “what would they think if I …”

It’s a sign of a place you might be trying to be normal.

Then tell that voice, “Oh yeah!?! Just watch this …”

Do something abnormal.

After all, being normal is highly overrated.