“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment”. Norman Vincent Peale
What comes to your mind when you hear the word mediocre? I think many people find the word non-threatening because that is what it represents. If you are considered mediocre it isn’t considered a real insult because it gives the idea that you could change anytime you want and stop being mediocre. Like in the movies where the main character leads a non-descript life and then by the close of the movie has become something completely amazing and awe inspiring.
But that is the very danger of being mediocre. Most people don’t change, and they stay that way forever. And remember, in the movies it is usually some major event or trigger that forces the main character to change. Do you really want a terrible reason to make you start to really be living your life to the fullest?
One of my favorite examples of this is an episode of the Simpson’s where Homer eats blow fish and is told he may have only 24 hours to live. So, for the rest of the show, he tries to cram in all the things he meant to do during his meager existence on earth. He does survive and wakes up the next day. He then vows to live each day as if it was his last, to himself and his family. But, the final scene of the episode is him stretched out on the couch eating chips and drinking beer while watching ten pin bowling. Not exactly a carpe diem life after all is it? He went right back to his mediocre life.
I want to challenge you today to see the word mediocre as a curse word, as a bad word, as an insult to be called. Take offense.
Now I am not suggesting you live your life based on what other people think of you. What I am trying to do is get you to think about the ho hum areas in your life and how you can light a fire under them. Get your passion back! Or in some cases get your groove on!
There is no point in doing anything without a desire to do it well. Even mundane tasks we all hate are more fun with a bit of energy behind them, even if it is just seeing the tasks completed.
