Why Average is a Failing Formula

In a society where “mediocrity” often wears the mask of normalcy, the temptation to settle for average has captured many, leading them down a path of indifference where dreams and goals merely whisper what could have been.

“Go to college. Get the job. Buy the house. Put your Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Have the kids. Retire. Then die.”
That’s the unspoken formula we’re fed.

Yea- no thanks. I’ll take a hard pass on that.

Average has become the modern tradition. And tradition, in its most diluted form, is mediocrity disguised as purpose. It’s robotic living, quietly controlled beneath the surface under the illusion of stability.

We are not all created the same.
We were never meant to live identical lives, follow the same timelines, or chase the same metrics of success.

Life choices are made based on societal “norms” or expectations-  whether directly stated or silently implied, from family, peers, or institutions that reward conformity over authenticity.

Distractions are abundant, yet the allure of “average” is ever-present and inescapable.
It doesn’t challenge you.
It sedates you.

Entertainment and “cheap dopamine” are everywhere – Netflix, endless scrolling, the constant pull to stay comfortable,  all standing in stark contrast to the disciplined, intentional pursuit of excellence.

Excellence is inconvenient.
Average is easy.

Education often exemplifies this struggle. The system’s obsession with uniformity rather than individuality has become an obstacle to growth instead of a catalyst for it. It molds minds for predictability, not purpose. It celebrates repetition over revelation.

What should expand potential too often suppresses it.

This exposure to society’s quiet conditioning toward mediocrity sparked an innate resistance within me. Even at a young age, I felt the pull to break free , that sense that the “approved path” wasn’t mine.

That resistance became my ignition point.

Over time, it revealed a deeper truth: traditional education and cultural expectations are just parts of a broader system that glorifies mediocrity and punishes deviation.

But I was never made for average.

This realization propelled me to defy what was expected, to embrace every God-given gift and desire that makes me unique, and to strive for a level of excellence that transcends the ordinary.

Moving away from the safety of mediocrity, I’ve discovered that the pursuit of excellence isn’t rebellion , it’s reclamation. It’s about living fully awake, fully aligned, and fully alive.

It requires courage. The kind that makes you stand alone, tackle challenges head-on, and protect your standards when it’s easier to lower them.

To keep your standards high.
And your beliefs firm.

And to make that discipline a habit , a way of living that redefines every part of who you are.

The Cost of Average

The repercussions of accepting mediocrity are visible everywhere. You see it in stagnant careers, uninspired routines, and lives that feel muted instead of meaningful. It’s the underlying, quiet drift into “fine”-  where marriages go un-nurtured, friendships stay surface-level, and purpose gets replaced with convenience.

“Good enough” has become the modern epidemic.

Average living doesn’t always look broken. It just lacks pulse.
People stop growing, stop questioning, stop creating. They trade depth for distraction and call it balance.

This acceptance of minimal effort and limited ambition leaves many drifting aimlessly – emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It’s the slow death of potential disguised as normal life. Mediocre conversations. Mediocre goals. Mediocre standards for your health, your energy, your relationships.

And now, it’s worsened by mediocre use of time- hours lost scrolling social media, comparing instead of connecting, seeking validation from digital “friends” instead of building real ones. Staying up late watching brain numbing entertainment. 
It’s a false sense of connection that keeps the spirit busy but empty.

Tradition makes mediocrity look safe.
Technology makes it look acceptable.

The gap between mediocrity and excellence isn’t about how much time you spend working or how many self-help books you finish. It’s about the mindset behind how you live. The average woman might chase temporary motivation, but the woman who refuses average builds discipline, she invests in growth, challenges comfort, and cultivates strength that lasts.

The difference isn’t talent.
It’s intention.

Despite the noise of “just be content,” those who rise above mediocrity understand that true fulfillment requires evolution. They keep learning. They keep stretching. They refuse to shrink to fit the expectations of a small world.

Simply put, mediocrity feeds stagnation and stagnation starves your soul.

Facts.

Settling for average produces exactly what it promises: a life of repetition instead of expansion. A body that runs on autopilot. A mind that’s numbed by routine. A heart that forgets what passion feels like.

Excellence doesn’t demand perfection.
It demands participation.

You were not created to survive your days.
You were created to live them fully awake.

The Unseen Battle

The gravitation toward mediocrity often stems from fear: fear of stepping outside comfort zones, of not meeting expectations, or of the unknown challenges that come with pursuing one’s true potential. Yet it’s within this very struggle that the opportunity for growth and self-discovery lies.

Fear disguises itself as logic.
It convinces you to stay where it’s safe.

Confronting these fears head-on opens the path to resilience, creativity, and transformation. But the truth is, most people never make it that far. They stop at discomfort and call it peace.

This resistance to mediocrity is not merely about rejecting what is easy or comfortable; it’s a deeper battle against the internal narratives that limit us- the quiet beliefs that whisper we’re not ready, not worthy, not enough.

Those voices aren’t truth.
They’re conditioning.

Our societal structures, peppered with tales of caution against aiming too high or straying too far from the norm, can cage our ambitions. We’re taught to be agreeable instead of bold, polite instead of powerful, realistic instead of visionary.

The system rewards obedience, not originality.

And here’s the fact that most avoid: if you’re making choices you can’t explain, why or when you decided to make these choices, be aware-  your “averageness” isn’t really yours.
It’s programming – someone else’s design running your life on autopilot.

Breaking free from these mental confines requires more than confidence. It demands conviction, a steadfast belief in your capacity for change, even when no one else sees it yet.

It’s about dismantling the barriers we’ve built around our own aspirations, allowing ourselves to dream bigger and reach further than we ever thought possible.
And that requires self-trust.

Moreover, the journey beyond average is often a solitary one, fraught with uncertainty and the potential for failure. Yet it’s precisely this vulnerability that breeds strength and innovation.

Excellence is born in the places no one applauds.

Embracing the possibility of failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback transforms the way we approach our goals. It encourages a mindset of learning and adaptability, where each misstep isn’t a mark of defeat but a lesson to propel us forward.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success,  it’s the training ground for it.

This shift in perspective is crucial for anyone looking to transcend the bounds of mediocrity, as it fosters an environment where creativity flourishes, unencumbered by the fear of imperfection.

You can’t grow and stay comfortable at the same time.

This is why, the battle against mediocrity is waged on two fronts: the external pressures of societal expectation and the internal challenge of overcoming our own doubts and fears.

Victory in this battle doesn’t come from sheer willpower alone but from a holistic approach to personal development-  one that embraces risk, honors failure, and celebrates the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

Because when one woman chooses growth over comfort, she lights the path for others to do the same.

That’s how mediocrity ends,  one brave choice at a time.

Overcoming “Average” Mindsets, Living, and Ambitions

Recognize and Acknowledge the Fear: The first step in overcoming mediocrity is to acknowledge the fears that keep us tethered to it. Whether it’s the fear of failure, stepping outside our comfort zones, or the daunting prospect of facing the unknown, recognizing these fears is pivotal. Acknowledgment allows us to understand and confront the barriers head-on, rather than avoiding them.

1.Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Adopting a growth mindset is essential in the journey away from mediocrity. This means viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. It involves understanding that skills and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. By fostering a growth mindset, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities, where failure is not a reflection of our abilities but a step towards mastery.

2. Set Higher Standards and Seek Mastery:

This MUST become habitual. Overcoming average living requires us to raise our standards and commit to mastery in all our endeavors.

And I do mean ALL.

Mastery isn’t just about reaching excellence in a single area; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and pushing past our comfort zones. It’s about seeing challenges as chances to grow and setbacks as necessary steps on the path to greatness.

This pursuit of mastery involves dedication, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to excellence, offering a life filled with purpose, passion, and the deep satisfaction of giving our all to every pursuit. In a world content with the average, aiming for mastery provides a guiding light towards a future brimming with boundless potential.

3. Embrace Continuous Learning:

The path to transcending mediocrity is paved with knowledge and continuous improvement. Commit to being a lifelong learner, whether through reading, educational YouTube videos, seeking mentorship, taking courses, or experimenting with new experiences. Expanding our horizons not only enriches our understanding of the world but also equips us with the tools to innovate and excel in our endeavors.

(Tip: Get off of Tik Tok and Netflix)

This is a lifelong journey.

If you are not growing, you are dying- this is a law of nature.

4. Build Resilience and Adaptability:

Resilience- the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is a cornerstone of overcoming mediocrity. Coupled with adaptability, it forms a powerful duo that enables us to navigate the uncertainties of life with grace and determination. Developing these qualities requires practice, patience, and a willingness to face difficulties head-on, learning from each experience and adjusting our strategies accordingly.

Living intentionally outside of comfort zones will grow this muscle.

5. Practice Self-Compassion and Persistence:

The journey away from average is fraught with challenges that can test our resolve. Practicing self-compassion, giving ourselves grace for the missteps along the way, and persisting in the face of adversity are crucial. Remember, progress is rarely linear; it’s the cumulative effect of consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks, that leads to remarkable achievements.

6. Surround Yourself with Excellence:

The people we surround ourselves with can significantly influence our mindset and ambitions. Seek out communities and individuals who embody the standards of excellence and mastery you aspire to. Engaging with people who challenge, inspire, and motivate us can elevate our own standards and propel us towards our goals.

Incorporating these strategies into our lives is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of growth and self-improvement.

Overcoming mediocrity is about making a conscious decision every day to live with purpose, to embrace our potential, and to commit to a life of excellence and mastery. By doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire those around us to break free from the confines of the average and pursue their highest aspirations.

The Return to Excellence

Rising above mediocrity isn’t a single decision. It’s a daily one.
Each time you choose conviction over comfort, you rewrite your story.

The world doesn’t need more noise-  it needs women who live awake.
Who hold the line. Who lead by example.

Excellence isn’t what you do.
It’s who you become.

Be true to you. Be bold. Be Lioness.

If this message spoke to you, keep learning with me inside the Living Lioness Newsletter.
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