Escaping the Mediocrity Trap
I find that usually in modern culture when the term “mediocrity” comes up, it has a negative connotation. We think of it as something to be avoided at all costs. Let’s explore what mediocrity means and why professional women might find themselves caught in what I call the “mediocrity trap.” I’ll also share some tips on how you can break out of that trap and start living a life that is more authentic and true to who you are.
What is Mediocrity?
Mediocrity, put simply, is a lack of excellence or achievement. It’s about settling for less than what you are capable of. And it’s not just about our personal achievements; it can also apply to our relationships, our work, and even our hobbies.
Holding them up to each other, it seems like an obvious choice that we should always prefer excellence to mediocrity, but it’s not quite so simple as that. Excellence requires courage and tenacity. It asks us to show up fully and put ourselves out there. It also holds the promise of joy, growth, and connection.
When we choose excellence, we open ourselves up to the possibility of greatness. We have the potential to become leaders in our field and an inspiration to others. But it’s not as simple as making the choice; we have to follow through consistently in taking action, and that can be much more difficult in practice than when merely discussing it. There’s risks involved, and human beings have evolved to be risk averse.
Why Do We Settle for Mediocrity?
There are many reasons why we might settle for mediocrity in our lives. It could be that we’re afraid of failure or rejection. We might tell ourselves that we’re not good enough or that we don’t deserve better. Or, it could be that we’ve become so comfortable in our comfort zones that we’re no longer motivated to push ourselves outside of those boundaries.
Whatever the reason may be, the result is always the same: we end up living lives that are less than fulfilling and that don’t reflect our true potential.
We live in a world that tells us to be average, to fit in, to not stand out. And for the most part, we oblige. We accept mediocrity because it is easy and it is safe, but easy and safe are not the same things as happy. In fact, I would argue that they are often the opposite of happy.
True happiness comes from living an authentic life – one in which we express our truest selves without fear of judgement or rejection. It comes from being vulnerable and taking risks. It comes from living with intention and purpose.
The Mediocrity Trap
I see this happen a lot with professional women. They get trapped in a cycle of working long hours, taking care of everyone else’s needs but their own, and sacrificing their own happiness for the sake of others. And before they know it, they’ve lost sight of who they are and what they really want out of life.
If this sounds like you, then you might be caught in what I call the “mediocrity trap.” But there is good news: you can break out of it! I work with women who have come to the realization that they’ve put themselves last for far too long, and that it’s time to tap back into their sense of purpose, to stop deferring to the needs or opinions of others, and to actively live from their values.
Tips for Breaking Out of the Mediocrity Trap
The first step is to become aware of the way you’re currently living your life. Are you settling for mediocrity? What are some concrete examples from your life of how you catch yourself settling for mediocrity? Are you unhappy with your current situation but don’t feel like you have any other options? If so, then it’s time to make some changes.
Start by identifying your values and setting some goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve in your career? In your personal life? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? Once you have a clear vision for your ideal life, you can start making small changes that will help you move closer to that goal.
Next, build a support network around you that reinforces and validates those values and goals. I define a support network as people who love us for who we are, not who we are supposed to be. Mediocrity is self-inflicted and supports the belief that we are unworthy of greatness. A support network loves us when we screw up and tells us the truth in a kind and loving way.
Support networks also give us permission to pursue our dreams without apology. They accelerate emotional wellness by reminding us that we are not alone on this journey called life. A support network sees our potential long before we see it ourselves and believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves. This is the beauty of having a support network – they have our back even when we don’t have our own.
Finally, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to build time into your calendar that’s just for you. This time is essential for your growth and self-care. It’s a time when you can focus on what’s important to you without having to worry about taking care of others.
When you have this time, you can commit to your own excellence and reach new heights. You might not realize it, but this time is also a chance for you to recharge and refocus. When you’re constantly trying to meet the demands of others, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important to you.
Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or reading a book, I make sure to do something every day that brings me joy. As a result, I’m happier, healthier, and more productive than ever before. It’s so important to let go of the guilt that often comes with doing things for ourselves. We were meant to be joyful and fulfilled!
When you start living a life that is more authentic and true to who you are, you’ll be amazed at how much more fulfilled and happy you’ll feel. The shift in your energy will touch the lives of people around you. You’ll be a better resource for them, and your relationships will improve.
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut or like your life is lacking meaning or purpose, then chances are you’re caught in the mediocrity trap. But there is hope! By becoming aware of the way you’re currently living your life and making some intentional changes, you can break out of the trap and start living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
