Mediocrity is Rewarded Through Growth

Throughout my life, I have achieved a variety of skill levels ranging from “outstanding” to “mediocre at best”. More often it has been the latter rather than the former and “mediocre” is that gray area that lies between “crummy” and “average”. However, these statuses all represent and opportunity for growth!

Many skills, sports would be the best example, tend to decrease with age. Take golf. If I had spent my life as an above average golfer, and that skill deteriorated as I became older (it would) … I might be devastated. It happened to my dad and, when it did, he was a dramatically changed man and not for the better.

Me, on the other hand … all of my above average athletic skills dissipated for one reason or another before I hit 30. Nothing I have taken up since then has exceeded mediocrity and I’m perfectly happy with that state. Hell, I don’t even care if I become full on crummy. Yes, mediocrity does have its rewards.

Being mediocre is very similar to my having low to nonexistent expectations. I’m rarely disappointed. There are other benefits as well. Most noticeable is that it’s easier, and substantially more gratifying, to go up in skill levels. For example, I’m learning to play the guitar and while I am definitely mediocre, I am getting better.

Improving on being average is certainly rewarding even if achieving an outstanding skill level is likely never to happen. I’m somewhat surprised at my attitude in this regard as I have always been a perfectionist and I remain highly competitive but … I’m also a pragmatist. That being said, my goal is growth.

Can you be happy being mediocre in some but not all areas? I think so and it does provide a nice balance where you don’t have to be the best in everything that you do in order to be happy and/or satisfied with your lot in life. It might even make you more human.

Mediocrity … the only direction is up (we hope!) and, what you do with this opportunity, is entirely up to you! Which direction are you headed? While my athletic skills are mediocre at best, I have chosen to improve my professional skills. While not yet outstanding, I’m definitely headed in the right direction.

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Craig M. Jamieson

Managing Member at Adaptive Business Services

Craig M. Jamieson is a lifelong B2B salesperson, manager, owner, and a networking enthusiast. Adaptive Business Services provides solutions related to the sales professional. We are a Nimble CRM Solution Partner. Craig also conducts training and workshops primarily in social selling and communication skills. Craig is also the author of "The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM", now available on Amazon!