In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure to be exceptional, to stand out from the crowd and achieve greatness. From a young age, we are taught to aim for the top, be the best in our class, and strive for excellence in everything we do. However, this narrative can be incredibly damaging, especially when it comes to our expectations of ourselves.
Humans are all unique, with our own strengths and weaknesses. While some may excel in certain areas, others may struggle, and that’s okay. Being average is not a bad thing, nor is it a reason for disappointment. In fact, it’s pretty normal.
When we talk about being average, we refer to the concept of the mean, a type of mathematical average. The mean is calculated by adding all the data points in a set and dividing by the total number of data points. In many cases, most data points will fall around the mean, with fewer data points on either end of the spectrum.
Similarly, in life, most people will fall somewhere in the middle. They may not be the best, but they are certainly not the worst either. They are average, and that’s okay. Being average does not mean that we are not successful or that we are not valuable. On the contrary, it means that we are contributing in our own way, doing our part to make the world better.
As an entrepreneur who has led teams, I have realised that being average can have advantages. For one, it allows us to focus on doing our jobs well without the pressure of being the best. It also allows us to be team players, working collaboratively with our colleagues to achieve shared goals. Being average can also provide a sense of security, as it often means we are less likely to be singled out for criticism or scrutiny.
Of course, this is not to say that we should not strive for excellence or to be exceptional. But it is important to recognise that being average is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be an excellent thing. It allows us to live our lives with a sense of contentment and satisfaction, knowing that we are doing our part and contributing to the group’s success.
One of the most significant issues with our current narrative of exceptionalism is that it sets unrealistic expectations for young people, especially those who aspire to be entrepreneurs. Many believe that to be successful; they must be exceptional. They must develop the next big idea, be a visionary leader, and achieve great things at a young age.
However, the reality is that these exceptional individuals are rare. Most successful entrepreneurs are not prodigies or visionaries. Instead, they are hard-working individuals who succeed by doing what they love, staying focused, and persevering through challenges.
In fact, being average can be an advantage when it comes to entrepreneurship. It allows us to focus on our strengths and build a business that matches them. It also allows us to be humble and recognise when we need help, which is crucial for building a strong team.
So, to all the young people who aspire to be entrepreneurs, don’t be discouraged if you find that you are just average. Instead, embrace it, and focus on being the best version of yourself that you can be. Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths and help you overcome your weaknesses. And remember…
in a world that values exceptionalism, being average can be a very good thing. It allows us to focus on what matters most, doing our part to contribute to the success of the group.
