"The difference between the hero and the coward is that the hero waits 5 minutes longer than the coward"- Robert Kiyosaki
Mediocrity is a disease that the majority suffer from not because they don't want to be great or exceptional at something, but because they're not willing to give it what it takes, and others get frustrated along the way and quit.
Robert Kiyosaki said that 95% of Americans are poor and just 5% are rich. This sounds absurd right? But this is the reality of things. You don't believe me? Imagine putting in extra hours to master a skill, sleeping late and waking up early every day to resume the same routine when you could be sleeping, gisting with friends, or doing something fun.
Yet we have people who are exceptional at what they do, and you wonder how on Earth they do it. Trust me it isn't luck; it is an accumulation of little steps.
Being mediocre isn't anyone's fault because no one is born great. Greatness is something you attain but remaining mediocre is solely your choice.
Why do you need to overcome mediocrity?
● To live a fulfilled life
● To achieve your goals
● To become successful
● To become an expert in you field
If you desire any of the above, here are some tips to help you escape the mediocrity majority.
1. Self-believe
To achieve anything, you must first believe you can achieve it even if there are obstacles. You need to have the right attitude and a positive mindset because whatsoever a man thinketh, so he is.
2. Practice self-discipline
This is what keeps you going when the euphoria of motivation fades. Discipline is the key to release your potential. Exercising your will power helps you get things done. It helps you limit procrastination, set goals, and follow them through, make sacrifices and prioritize things according to their importance.
3. Get out of your comfort zone.
You can never be exceptional if you limit yourself to your comfort zone. The discomfort of today is the comfort of tomorrow. Believe me, I know it can be frustrating to do things that bring you no joy, but the satisfaction you'll receive at the end will be worth it and you might find opportunities.
4. Don't take the conventional advice
Majority are living a mediocre life. If you follow their advice, you'll only end up being average at best because they can't give you what they don't have.
5. Own your craft
This is what distinguishes the rich from the poor, the experts from the mediocre. While others are wasting their free time gallivanting and cruising. Spend that time working on yourself and improving your skill. Put in the work others are too scared or lazy to put in and see the magic happen.
6. Be willing to take calculated risk
Check the life of successful people and you'll see that they are risk takers. It doesn't mean you shouldn't weigh your options, but don't let rationalizing debar you from achieving success. J Maxwell puts it best "Hope to win and expect to lose, learn from it and move forward"
7. Surround yourself with exceptional people
There are no two ways about it. If you surround yourself with outstanding people, it is only a matter of time before you become exceptional. Likewise, if you surround yourself with mediocre you too will end up as such. This is the simple logic of life.
Conclusion
Avoiding mediocrity is something you should strive for if you don't want to remain with the average majority camp. It isn't conquered in a day. It takes patience, consistency, and persistence, but the result is gratifying.