Don’t be average. Ever.
Are you living an average life? It’s a tough question to ask yourself, but it’s a question worth pondering. Most of us don’t want to think of ourselves as average. I know I don’t. However, being exceptional takes focus, effort, and a willingness to compare yourself to those who are crushing it.
I often think back to one of my favorite speeches by the famed industrialist, Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, a true titan of industry, had a lot to say about effort and focus. He shared his insights on the secret to success. I want to read a small excerpt and break it down with you:
“It is a simple matter of honest work, ability, and concentration. There is no question about there being room at the top for exceptional men in any profession. These have not to seek patronage. The question is rather how can their services be secured? As with every profession, so in every line of business, there’s plenty of room at the top. Your problem is how to get there. The answer is simple. Conduct your business with just a little more ability than the average man in your line. If you are only above the average, your success is secured. And the degree of success is in ratio to the greater degree of ability and attention. Should you fail to ascend? The fault is not in your stars but in yourselves.”
Carnegie breaks down success so simply and eloquently. He talks about not scattering your efforts and focusing on excelling in one thing. But more importantly, he talks about being just slightly better than the average person in your line of work to secure an exceptional level of success.
Are You Above Average…Really?
Now let’s dive into the big question for today: Are you average?
The natural response for many of us is, “Of course, I’m above average!” When we compare ourselves to some vague notion of the “average American,” most of us probably do come out ahead in many areas of life.
But here’s where things get interesting. Andrew Carnegie doesn’t talk about comparing yourself to everyone. He emphasizes comparing yourself to those “in your line.” And that’s where the game changes.
What does it mean to be in your line? Your line is about the people you work with, the groups you’re part of, and your direct peers. Who cares if you’re above average compared to millions of people? The real question is, where do you stand amongst those who do what you do?
If you’re part of a high-performing team – whether as an employee, an entrepreneur, or in any other capacity – you need to re-evaluate your definition of average. Because…don’t be average. You might have always thought of yourself as above average, but now that you’re surrounded by other exceptional people, you might just be average.
It’s a humbling realization.
Shift Your Mindset: Don’t be average
Once you understand that “average” is relative to your current circle, it’s time for a mindset shift. I know it was for me, whether with my business mastermind groups or when I was selected for pilot training. Past “above average” achievements don’t matter anymore once you join a new group of high achievers.
So, how do you get above average again in this new context?
Here’s a simple exercise:
- Find Your Peers: Think about those you work with, compete with, or engage with in your field. If you don’t have a peer group, now’s the time to find or create one.
- Set a New Average: Your peer group’s habits and achievements define your new average. Notice who’s working out regularly, investing smartly, or scaling their business. That’s the new bar to clear.
- Be Slightly Better: Your goal isn’t to compare yourself to others and feel down. The goal is to rise above. If everyone wakes up at 6 AM, you wake up at 5:30 AM. If everyone reads a book a month, you read one a week.
By constantly striving to be just a little bit better than your new average, you’ll consistently elevate yourself. The key is to always be on the lookout for groups filled with people who inspire you and make you want to be more, do more, and achieve greater success.
Reject Complacency
Never think, “I’ve made it this far, so I can relax.” If you do, you’re already falling behind. Always be striving for more and finding those who can help you level up.
If you find that hard, remember: try harder.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Time-Stamped Show Notes:
- [00:30] Intro
- [01:00] Understanding Andrew Carnegie’s philosophy
- [03:00] Why being above the general average isn’t enough
- [04:30] Defining average based on your line of work
- [06:00] Are you really above average? A humbling exercise
- [07:00] How to strive for the new level of average
- [08:00] The importance of finding the right peer group