Too often, mediocrity rises to the top.
I watch marginally talented people get fame they didn’t deserve, land gigs they didn’t earn, make money they didn’t work for and achieve success they didn’t sweat for.
Meanwhile, I’m hustling my ass off, doing legitimately great work, work that actually improves humanity’s future, and the marketplace yawns at my efforts while greatness passes the world by like a fart in the wind.
Why, why, why does this happen?
I asked Sarah Robinson to weigh in. She had a few ideas.
One, because mediocrity is safe. It preserves the status quo. And it prevents people from taking risks that scare them. Two, because mediocrity is relatable. It’s something people see their reflection in. And it makes it easier to justify their sub par performance. Three, because mediocrity is a boost. It’s something to elevate the ego. And it makes people feel better about themselves instead of confronting their own inadequacies. Can we blame the top for loving it?
Lately, I’ve been (trying) to respond to mediocrity with maturity.
Instead of lowering myself to playing a smaller game, I work harder. Instead of settling for the cash grab, I keep purpose at the forefront. Instead of resenting my own excellence, I take pride in getting better. Instead of allowing frustration to derail productivity and focus, I use mediocrity as a glowing source of inspiration. And instead of getting angry every time I see someone on television who wouldn’t know love if it sat on their face, I fuel that frustration into my work and keep creating.
My hope is, trusting that process will pay off.
Eventually.
Even though the twelve year old inside me secretly wants to scream.
LET ME ASK YA THIS… What’s your response to mediocrity?
LET ME SUGGEST THIS… For the list called, “19 Telltale Signs of the Perfect Job,” send an email to me, and you win the list for free!
* * * * Scott Ginsberg That Guy with the Nametag Writing, Publishing, Performing, Consulting [email protected]
Yes, I do more than just wear a nametag all day. My enterprise is actually quite robust. I add value to my clients in several cool ways.
Explore the myriad ways you, your people and your organization can leverage my talents.