Have You Been Mediocred?

I know... mediocred isn't a word. It is, however, a reality. I see it in my life and in the lives of others. You know you've been mediocred when mediocrity becomes the norm. I've worked with and for people who were mediocred. I've had conversations with clients who were mediocred. I've even consulted with companies that exhibited characteristics of being mediocred.

How do you know you've been mediocred?

Comparison Shift — There was a time when you compared your actions to your own potential. It was motivational. You knew you could accomplish more or learn more or serve more. You had a healthy perspective of your amazing gifts and abilities. Then your comparison shifted. You started comparing yourself to other people. They weren't doing or accomplishing much, so you must be doing OK. You've been mediocred.

Vision Shift — Children believe they can do anything. Their vision for the future is more optimistic than that of adults. Their imaginations encourage them to set their sights on things others might think are impossible. As we grow older, we become more cynical about the future. We exchange possibility thinking for necessity thinking. What do I have to do? We were told to get a job, work it for forty years, and hope the pension fund is still solvent. Far too many people live each day with their eyes focused on a time when they can stop doing something they've never enjoyed. If that's you, you've been mediocred.

Ambition Shift — This is one of the more dangerous shifts because it moves people into a lethargic way of life. Excuses are ambition's archenemies. It's been said that people who lack ambition have a big but—I would do that, but…. Todd Henry said, "A lifetime of mediocrity is a 
high price to pay for safety." People who suffer from ambition shift choose safety. It's "safe" to keep working for that company. It's safe to let that be a hobby rather than a business. It's safe to just talk about what you'd like to do. When comfort becomes your main objective in life, you've been mediocred.

What should you do?

I'll share with you a little of my own self-talk. I believe God created me to make a difference in this world. He didn't leave me here to be like everyone else. I'm not better than anyone; but I am uniquely designed by a loving Creator to make Him famous through the things I do. Honoring God isn't easy, comfortable, or popular. That's no reason to settle for mediocrity. I'm not here to make a big deal out of myself. I'm here to make God the object of my big deals. I have been blessed far beyond anything I ever expected or deserve. God has generously chosen to overlook my failures and provide me daily opportunities to accept His design for my life, step fearlessly into His plan, and trust Him to give me wisdom and guidance along the way. It is God who implanted a vision for my future. Since it's His vision, I must trust His ways. You might not be a Christ-follower. That's OK. I, however, am and my relationship with God is the foundation of my life. I make no apologies for that.

We have been given an assignment and allocated resources such as time, talent, influence, experience, and so forth. When we let the world determine the direction of our lives, we will be mediocred. Don't spend your life waiting for something to happen to you. Compare yourself to your potential and pursue it with intentionality. Rediscover an inspiring vision for your life and let it inspire you. Set aside the distractions and embrace the ambition you had years ago.

If you don't make wise choices, you will be mediocred.

Connect with me at mythinkingbox.com.