Rising above Mediocrity

Mediocrity is defined as ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not outstanding. Being mediocre means lacking exceptional quality or ability. It is where you and I end up by default, without even trying. It does not take much effort to be mediocre. But it does take effort, special skills and discipline to break away.

We live in a society that rewards winners. The winner takes it all in most cases. I am therefore pressing the case that you to rise above mediocrity and become a winner. Be a winner in your chosen field because being second rate does not cut it any more. If you have it in you to be the very best, why settle for less?

In the last couple of weeks, I have been around the Internet and back. I have been on hundreds of websites and blogs reading personal stories and victories. I feel lucky that with a few clicks of the mouse I can read how a lady in Bolivia has overcome insurmountable obstacles in her life and then a moment later watch free video clips of the greatest sports men of all times. We are a lucky generation to have the Internet.

One of the clips I watched recently was “Top 10 Amazing Michael Jordan”. Michael Jordan is one of the best examples of people who have risen above mediocrity and will examine some secrets to his success here today. First enjoy the clip below!

Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963) is a retired American professional basketball player and active businessman.  He rose above mediocrity to become the best basketball player in history. He did this by training extremely hard, constantly and purposely. He gave 100% to his practice sessions and aimed to become better at every game.

Michael Jordan had many setbacks and failed many times but he never gave up. He pushed himself to be the best physically, emotionally and psychologically. He recognized that success begins in the mind. He knew that practice makes perfect and rose up early each day to practice his game even though he was the best.

As a result of his determination and effort, Michael Jordan accomplishments included five MVP awards, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and many more awards for exceptional brilliance in basket ball. He popularized NBA around the world for two decades and influenced millions.

You can learn and apply the principles of success exemplified in Michael Jordan. You need to choose what it is that you want to excel in and put in the requisite effort to succeed. The rewards of being the best are many. Being second best would not have allowed Michael Jordan to excel beyond the basketball courts. But instead he became extremely successful in other ventures as a result of rising above mediocrity in basketball.

Michael Jordan became financially successful through product endorsements. He is one of the most marketed figures in history. He has endorsed brands such as Nike, Coca-cola, Gatorade, McDonald’s, Chevrolet etc. The income from his endorsements is estimated to be several hundred millions of dollars.

If you become the best in your field of endeavor, you may not be called upon to endorse companies and brands, but you will gain in ways that only true winners do. Being number one in business, your career or in sports will open up many avenues for further success.

Other examples of people who have risen above mediocrity:

You probably know hundreds of people in sports, music, business, career etc that have risen above average to be the best in what they do. Below are three people that I greatly admire for rising above mediocrity and feel that they deserve a special mention here:

Sir Don Bradman

Sir Donald George Bradman, AC (27 August 1908 – 25 February 2001), often referred to as The Don, was an Australian cricketer, widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time. Bradman’s career Test batting average of 99.94 has been claimed to be statistically the greatest achievement in any major sport.

Steve Irwin

Stephen Robert Irwin (22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006), known simply as Steve Irwin and nicknamed “The Crocodile Hunter”, was an iconic Australian television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. He achieved world-wide fame from the television program The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series co-hosted with his wife Terri Irwin. Together, they also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, founded by his parents in Beerwah, Queensland.

Bill Gates

William Henry “Bill” Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate, philanthropist, author, the world’s third richest person (as of February 8, 2008), and chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen. Gates was the richest person in the world for 15 consecutive years.

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What stage are you in your life at the moment? Do you consider your abilities exceptional or average? Are you on a comfort zone where you have stopped pushing yourself to achieve and be the best you can be? To be a winner you can not lose sight of the goal and your purpose in life. Do you have clear, written goals and a mission statement detailing your life’s purpose?

Principles of rising above mediocrity:

1. Desire / Passion
2. Concentration
3. Baby Steps
4. Build on your Success
5. Have a Coach / Master Mind group

1. Desire / Passion

You must know what your passion in life is and be hungry for success in something you are passionate about. Make it clear in your mind why you want it and go for it. You must want to rise above average and have a big enough why.

2. Concentration

It will not happen overnight. You need to have laser targeted focus and concentration on what you want to achieve. You cannot afford to be distracted. Improve your concentration on the goal by using positive affirmations.

3. Baby Steps

Don’t wait for all the information or all the pieces to fall in place. Have a bias for action. Get started towards your goal and learn as you go. Take small steps and improve with time.

4. Build on your Success

Just as Michael Jordan built on his success (and failures too) in basketball you need to learn to build on each success that you have. Accumulate small victories and they will give you the confidence and motivation to take on bigger challenges.

5. Have a Coach / Master Mind group

Just like in sports, you may need a coach or mentor to help you draw out the best of you. Someone who will understand your circumstances, potential and limitations. Get someone you trust and meet regularly. Look for someone with your best interests at heart. You can also have a master mind group of experienced people to guide you.

Summary

Being mediocre means lacking exceptional quality or ability. We have looked at the example of Michael Jordan and how he rose above mediocrity to become the best of the best in basketball. You can succeed in life if you put your mind to it. The fruits of being the best are many. Work hard to be the best in your field.

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