Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

-Albert Einstein

Mediocrity, whether in our work lives or in our personal endeavors is the greatest obstacle to creativity and success. Yet, astonishingly our society often seems to celebrate mediocrity in the elevation of the banal, promoting false celebrity in place of true greatness, valuing “fitting in” over standing out.

Learn to renounce mediocrity

How does it do this? Consider the number of instant celebrities who become famous for their indiscretions rather than their accomplishments. In regular society, consider how we’ve lowered educational standards over the years rather than demanding more from our students or helping them to achieve more by designing better educational systems. Instead, we pass them along from grade to grade until they have graduated and then we are surprised when they are unable to find meaningful employment.

On the other end of the spectrum, students who are academically accomplished through their own efforts are too often portrayed in the media as ‘nerds’ and creative individuals are portrayed as bohemian. Rather than celebrate their achievements, we ridicule their individuality until they learn to fade into the crowd. Similarly, the most mediocre boss will fail to recognize the most talented employee. Success always challenges mediocrity.

In the end, however, mediocrity breeds disquiet. The truly creative and inventive individual will rise above the crowd simply because they must be true to themselves. While they risk being scorned by those who want them to remain in their place, ultimately the persevering individual will succeed, it’s simply in their nature to renounce mediocrity.

Renouncing mediocrity

Overcoming mediocrity can only be achieved by individual effort. First, look within yourself at your own behavior. Are you living your life to its fullest potential? Are you giving your all in your work and personal life? If not, then challenge yourself beginning today to take the steps necessary to become the best person you can be. Then surround yourself with friends who are also achievement oriented. You’ll be amazed by how others who are living their lives on a higher plane can inspire you to do the same. Next, consider how you can eliminate the mediocre in your environment. Take a look at what you read, the music you listen to, the television programs you watch, and the Internet sites your browse. Strive to improve the level of excellence in all areas of your life.

And finally, pass it on. To be successful ourselves, we need to acknowledge the best that there is when we see it, and help nurture it. If there is someone around you who stands out, encourage them to develop further.

Tags: mediocrity, Personal growth

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 at 8:10 pm and is filed under Personal growth. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.