What Is So Wrong With Being Average? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What Is So Wrong With Being Average?

Since when did 'average = failure'?

3389
What Is So Wrong With Being Average?
Priceonomics

I'm not perfect, but I know I'm not bad. I am just average . And at first, that terrified me to the core. I feared I would never be great at something, or I would never stand out in the crowd or make a difference in the world. There is nothing particularly great about me. I'm an average girl doing average things at her average university. I have average grades, I have average hobbies and average interests. Something snapped and I realized that being average is okay, and I have accepted it. What is so wrong about being average in the first place?

"There's 7 billion 46 million people on the planet, and most of us think we have the audacity to think we matter." -Watsky, Tiny Glowing Screens Pt. 2. As harsh as this quote is, I think it's very true. The majority of people won't ever do something 'worthwhile' in their lifetime. We put celebrities on these pedestals for what they do and we strive to be just like them. The majority of people will never play basketball like Micheal Jordan, play tennis like the Williams sisters, write like Shakespeare, create the next technology breakthrough like Steve Jobs, or sing like Beyonce. We're all pretty average at most things, and that's okay.

Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't try our best at things because you should always try. I'm not trying to encourage anyone to give up on what their passionate about. All I'm saying is that I don't see the problem in being average. I think we, as humans, know that we are average creatures but no one wants to talk about it. We all want to be extraordinary, but it's just very unlikely. And that's perfectly okay.

I know what you're thinking, "If I'm just going to mediocre at best, what's the point of doing anything at all?" We are taught as a society that we are destined for greatness. It's plastered all over social media, celebrities say it, politicians say it and even business people say it. But if we're all extraordinary, then no one is extraordinary. Being average does not mean you're a failure. Statistically thinking, the majority of most people are in the middle of the pack in most everything humans can do. Someone may be a real good swimmer, but gets C's in their math and science classes. The thing about being extraordinary is that it never lasts. We all go back to being average Joes and Janes and that's okay! People who think being average means that they will never improve their life, or achieve any greatness in their life and that's a real unhealthy mindset. Humans aren't born extraordinary, they become extraordinary with constant improvement due to their fear of being average.

Let go of the pressure that you have to achieve some sort of greatness in order to achieve a 'fulfilling' life. I have let go of this pressure and I have found a new appreciation for the little average things in life. A lot of things that are average are some of the best things in life. You, me, or anyone does not have to be special, extraordinary, exceptional, or be the very best to live a happy life filled with joy.

I think what I'm trying to get at is that we should all try to the best we possibly can, but if the results are average or mediocre we shouldn't let it affect us, being average is not a bad thing. Being average is okay.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2898
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2471
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments