Three steps to rise above mediocrity

Have you read any good books recently? I’m always taking recommendations, and the great majority of them are really good! Let me know what books impressed you lately.

Last week I started reading The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. From what I’ve read so far, it’s good. The gist of his book is that starting your mornings off right is the way to hack your own system to the maximum advantage.

As an example, here are Hal’s three steps to rise above mediocrity to fulfill your potential. (Mediocrity in this context doesn’t mean how you compare to others, but how you compare to the person you are capable of being — the best version of yourself.)

1 - Acknowledge the 95% reality check

It’s human nature to take the easy path, despite the consequences. And 95% of people are not creating the life they really want. We struggle against that easy path in areas of love, success, happiness, fulfillment, health and financial prosperity.

If I were to ask you if your current situation is part of your life plan, what would you say? I would assume that your plan didn’t include the current struggles you’re facing. Are you allowing life to happen to you, rather than actively creating the life you want?

2 - Identify the causes of mediocrity

Cause #1: Rearview mirror syndrome

Are you constantly looking in your rearview mirror?
    “I’ve never done that before so I don’t want to try it”
    “Last time I did that, it didn’t work, so I’m not going to do it again.”
    “This crap always happens to me. I give up.”
What would happen if you stopped looking at your past, and started living in the present with your eye on the future?

Cause #2: Lack of purpose

If I asked you what your life’s purpose is, what would you say? Most people don’t know. This is your why. Getting really clear on your life’s purpose can make all the difference in fulfilling your true potential.

Cause #3: Isolating incidents

We mistakenly believe that each choice we make, and each single action we take, only affects that moment. But each choice determines who we are becoming, which ultimately determines the quality of our lives. In other words, how you do anything is how you do everything.

Cause #4: Lack of accountability

Accountability brings out the best in people. When people make promises that they keep, including to themselves, it gives them the leverage and trust they need to take action — even when they don’t feel like it.

Cause #5: Mediocre circle of influence

Don’t underestimate the importance of the company you keep. If you’re the average of the people you spend time with, are those people lifting you up or pulling you down?

Cause #6: Lack of personal development

Your levels of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become. Read that again. What kind of regular personal development rituals do you have in place?

Cause #7: Lack of urgency

Unless we have some sense of urgency, human nature tends to steer us to put things off for as long as possible — especially the difficult or uncomfortable things. How often do you say, someday?

3 - Draw your line in the sand

What are you willing to commit to doing differently, starting today? Not tomorrow, or next week or someday, but today. Draw your line in the sand and declare, “From this day forward, I…”

Your entire life changes the day you decide you’re no longer willing to settle for less than you are capable of.

Commitment might sound serious and daunting, but what if it’s really a dedication or a devotion — a labor of (self) love?

My coach and mentor helped me with all three of these steps.

First, he helped me understand that I want more than 95% of the population is willing to settle for, and I’m willing to work for that future for myself.

Second, he helped me to see how my own habits were getting in the way of my success, and helped me develop new, healthy habits.

Third, he helped me by breaking down the daunting work into baby steps, into a to-do list (which I how I work best).

As your coach and mentor, it’s my onus to provide you with an objective outside viewpoint, to show you what I see in you. I help you identify your potential, uncover what’s been in your way, then help you reach that potential.

Are you ready for that kind of devotion to your future? I want that for you, too!

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