What does it mean to be mediocre? For many, the term conjures images of unremarkable achievements and a life lived in the shadows of extraordinary individuals. But I’ve come to realize that mediocrity isn’t as dreadful as it seems. In fact, it’s an essential part of the human experience, and there’s a unique beauty in embracing it.
Ever since my days at Westcott, my hostel, I’ve been an average student. I wasn’t at the top of my class, but I excelled in sports. Those days were a blend of triumphs on the field and ordinary performance in the classroom. After school, I began to understand that the space for mediocrity is incredibly crowded. Many of us fall into that category, making it seem like a tight and packed space.
As I ventured into the wider world after my high school, I started comparing myself to others. I set my dreams and aspirations higher than my standards and found myself falling short time and again. The constant cycle of setting lofty goals and facing failure was disheartening. However, through these experiences, I stumbled upon a crucial realization: here’s no clear-cut measure to define whether someone is mediocre or exceptional.
No regulations exist that punish us merely for being ourselves and leading a standard life. There’s nothing inherently wrong with being ordinary, even if you’re ambitious. It’s completely acceptable to appreciate the environment you’re in and to proceed at your own pace. It’s fine to earn a salary that reflects your age, to be a regular employee, and to not amass a fortune by the time you’re 23. It’s alright if you don’t own a property at 25, and it’s perfectly acceptable to remain unmarried regardless of societal expectations.
Often, society sets unattainable goals and timelines for us, but it’s vital to recognize that it’s entirely acceptable to aspire for a tranquil life away from urban chaos. Nobody will feel let down or upset simply because you choose to live a slower-paced, ordinary life.
I’ve come to understand that we are entirely in charge of how we view our lives, and whether we find joy or sorrow in our days. Only we truly know the extent of our efforts and the sincerity behind them. It’s our responsibility to decide if our endeavors will yield outstanding outcomes. To conquer the fear of being average, we must ignore external pressures, look within, and appreciate what we have.
Reflecting on the past, I realize that I often sought validation from others rather than focusing on my own needs and actions. Now, my attention is on my possessions and capabilities. I cherish my blessings and recognize my personal achievements especially those aspects that are intrinsically mine and cannot be taken from me. In conclusion, being mediocre isn’t as bad as it seems. Indeed, all we need to do is live life in a way that’s true to ourselves. We need to strive to be better versions of ourselves, not in comparison to others but in our own personal growth. By embracing mediocrity, we can find contentment and fulfilment in the ordinary, and that, in itself, is extraordinary.
