The Courage to do Better Than the Average

We live in a world that often celebrates the familiar, the comfortable, the average. There’s a certain safety in blending in, trailing the already trodden path, and in meeting expectations instead of surpassing them. But what if “average” isn’t where you belong? What if deep down you want something more?

This isn’t about being perfect or constantly striving for an impossible ideal. More about recognising the concept of an average lifestyle is often a baseline not a ceiling. When we think about it deeply, we realise the biggest barrier to reaching our full potential is not a lack of skills, talent, or opportunities. It is the lack of courage to execute the unknown.

I was out to lunch with my father this week. As I caught him up on the new experiences life is taking me on, I began to share some of my future plans with him. I was quickly reminded why I seldom share visions with the outside world. People often have mindsets riddled with limits. ” That won’t happen for another 5 years” he answered with the life caution only a father can show. Old Rea would have retreated or even worse agreed and filed the dream under impossible. But limitless Rea replied with confidence. “Well, who said that? How do we know what opportunities I come across? They could push me closer to that goal before I know it.”

So Why Do We Feel Safe Being Average?

If we are being honest with ourselves sticking with the average is easy. It’s like playing Street Fighter and never switching the player mode from novice and clocking the game over and over again.

• Less Scrutiny: Being average means fewer eyes on you. There is less pressure to execute, less risk of failure, and less fear of judgment.
• Comfort in the Crowd: It’s reassuring to know you are not alone. If everyone else is doing it this way it must be correct, right?
• Avoids Criticism:Stepping outside the box means making mistakes, and mistakes often invite criticism. Something that takes guts to open oneself up to.
• Effort vs Reward: Doing more than average requires more effort. Our brains are wired for efficiency and at times the perceived effort is not seen as worth the potential reward.

But what if the idea of safety is what is holding you back from what you really want? What if the fear of standing out is more detrimental than the fear of failure?

Is There a Cost of Settling for Average?

Life is just a set of choices one makes, there really is not a right or wrong. Still, if there is a cost if these choices don’t necessarily make you happy.

• Unrealised Potential: Each time you choose the comfortable route, you are leaving behind your true the prospect of your true abilities
• Regret: Years down the line, will you wish you had pushed a little harder? Did you take that risk? Or did you pursue that passion?
• Stagnation: While average feels comfortable it rarely leads to growth. To evolve, you must challenge the status quo. Your own, and the worlds.

The courage we are talking about isn’t high on the scale of outrageous, or of the heroic kind.It’s the quiet, persistent bravery that shows up every single day.

Building the Courage to Be Exceptional

1. Define Your “Better”: What does better than the average mean to you? Do you want financial freedom, a healthier lifestyle, deeper relationships, an impactful career, or mastering a new skill?
2. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs: “I’m not smart enough”, “It’s too hard”, “What will people think?” These are whispers of the average. Question them fiercely. Where did they come from? Are they truly correct?
3. Embrace Discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Lean into the feelings of uncertainty, awkwardness and even fear. That’s where the magic happens.
4. Take Small, Consistent Actions:Courage does not have to start with a trip bungee jumping in Chile.Start by doing one small thing each day. Read an extra chapter of your book, send that uncomfortable email, dedicate 15 minutes to that overdue project. Consistency not only builds momentum but also confidence.
5. Seek Out Role Models: Surround yourself with people who are living more than an average lifestyle. Learn from their journeys, understand their struggles, and let their achievements inspire you.
6. Reframe Failure: Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it is the stepping stone on the path to achievement. When doing more than the average you will face failure. The courage lies in learning from it and trying again.

The path to doing better isn’t always glamorous. It is filled with hard work, self-doubt, and moments where you want to return to the safety of your comfortability. But the reward of a life worth lived, a potential realised, and the sense of genuine accomplishment is unmatched.

It takes courage to say, “I am capable of more”. You have to be brave to choose the harder path. Being determined helps you stand out from the ordinary. What will you do today to bravely step beyond the average and embrace the extraordinary in you? The world is waiting for you to show up.