What is Mediocrity?

A mentor of mine gave me a definition of mediocrity that has stuck with me over the years.

He said that mediocre used to be a rock climbing term that would be used when a climber was half way up the climb and purposely chose to quit.

The climber would let go of the wall and let person belaying bring them back to the ground.

The key word in this definition is purposely.

The reason I love this definition is because it is clear that mediocrity is a choice.

Avoiding mediocrity is more about the effort you put forth than the skills you currently possess.

“Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard” Tim Notke

I find comfort in focusing on what I can control.

You cannot always control the outcomes of your job, a relationship, or even your health but you can control the inputs.

You can control the effort you put into your job, relationships and your health. What if success was in the effort?

Find confidence knowing that you did everything you possibly could do to make your dream a reality.

I believe more people have regrets over things they did not do vs. regret over things they have done.

If we embrace mediocrity, if we purposely jump off the wall then we are haunted by the question of, What if?

What if we could have gone further? What if we would have started that business? What if, what if, what if…

I want to be a person that lives without the burdens of “what ifs” and I believe you do to.

It’s 100% possible and it starts with your effort.

It start with controlling what you can control and letting the results deal with themselves.

I am challenged this week to let my success be in my efforts. Knowing that I can be satisfied in my work if and only if I give it everything I got.

The rest will handle itself.

Go out: Make a Difference.