The Beauty of Being Average 

We people in this contemporary world run towards being extraordinary, and perfect and strive to be the best. We are happy if the child gets 100 out of 100, even if they score 99, we look into the missing pieces. The world is full of people chasing themself to remain or attain perfectionism by constantly setting an extraordinary example. In this race of being extraordinary or being above average, we often forget to embrace the little things that bring joy into life. 

Read more: 10 Movies that teach you about Life and Happiness

A Successful warrior is an average man, with laser like focus.

Bruce Lee 

Once a celebrity in an interview said “Before I have directed my first movie, I thought the response on the release date will be the happiest moment in my life. But when I experienced it only lasted for a few minutes to hours. Later I realized it has created some extra pressure and responsibility on me to make a perfect movie than my first one because I raised the standards of expectation that others have in me.

This made me realize to sustain myself in a happy state, I have to achieve more. If I did achieve my goal, then I start working for something even bigger and it goes endless. At the moment, I understood that I should search for peace instead of happiness”. Yes, it’s true. After every accomplishment, like in the high jump we by ourselves or the society raise the bar after crossing each level without giving time to enjoy the moment. Nothing is just enough. When we tie our happiness to our goal, it goes like a loop. Setting a goal, achieving the goal, momentary happiness and responsibility and pressure to maintain the fame. 

Being average isn’t a shame and there’s nothing to hide about. From the family to social media, everything creates the pressure to become perfect and extraordinary. In response to that demand, we all are trying to make a better version of ourselves or to recreate or replicate a flawless machine.  

We’re only human, we’re supposed to make mistakes.

Billy Joel

Understand not being extraordinary isn’t a failure. Being average doesn’t mean to stop working but cherishing what you have at that moment. The plaque being above average has even spread to personal lives, we are trying to be the extraordinary father brother, or mother only to end up losing our own self by comparing ourselves with others. 

Striving for perfectionism or extraordinary end up with burnout, anger and anxiety. Instead of gearing up slow down and feel the moments that create contentment. When you don’t carry the burden of being exceptional, there is more room for peace of mind. This journey often creates dissatisfaction and frustration. 

Noticing and being rooted to the daily pleasures like little laughter with a friend, or conversation with the grandparents or parents are better than chasing behind this temporary happiness. Rather than seeking the next thing, sit, relax and enjoy what you have now. Start with witnessing the beauty of the sunrise, and a hot cup of tea after a tight schedule to reflect on a mindful conversation. When we strive for the extraordinary knowingly or unknowingly we start comparing ourselves. It may end up like proving your worth to everybody rather than enjoying the progress. Embracing the average moments needs a mindset, that starts from within.  

The social media culture of glorifying productivity and perfectionism often at the cost of mental health. Parents also start putting the expectation in children to excel in all fields like academics and sports. 

Read More: The “Rule of 3” in Productivity: How a Simple Trick Can Prevent Overwhelm

What to do to enjoy being average? 

• It’s ok when nobody applauds you, you start appreciating yourself for every small milestone you achieve. 
• We may not excel in everything, enjoy moments when you are extraordinary and embrace moments where you are average. 
• Avoid comparing yourself. Comparing can be done in two ways: Upward comparison comparing yourself with people above you create restlessness, tension and motivation. Doward Comparison – Comparing yourself with people below you create lethargy.
• Don’t create false hope for yourself which may result in frustration. 
• Start celebrating the little things you achieve and that turns into creating a sense of daily accomplishment. 
• Practice showing gratitude to yourself. 
• Spend time for yourself to observe small happiness around you. 
• Staying average doesn’t mean you’re not capable to do things, never let the curiosity inside you to die. It’s the greatest asset to learn things and be updated in this fast-paced life. 

Read more: The Psychology of Curiosity

Conclusion 

Remember it’s not about giving your goals altogether to embrace yourself. Instead, find a balance between your ambition and self-acceptance. Acknowledging yourself may take you to the goal without losing the happiness in the process of goal pursuit. You can aim, dream and challenge yourself but the ideology that you must be extraordinary to feel contentment in life is simply not true. Enjoy every moment and embrace the beauty of being average. Jeremy Tyler  says “Perfection doesn’t exist.”