Photo: © D. Paul Graham, “Anger Management”, Savannah GA, 2023

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Shattered Mediocrity …..

It was an interesting noon walk. A salesperson lost a sale to me from a less than inspired effort to help me because he was having a spat with someone on his cell phone. Interloping on a conversation while waiting for the light at a cross walk, the two young women were discussing how little they cared about their job.  I wasn’t about to let either experience ruin my walk on such a picturesque Savannah afternoon. As I wandered down Congress Street, a building that has been vacant for years had a new feature of a shattered window with spray-painted words across the cracked glass. “Anger management”. And I started to think of the word mediocrity. An interesting word actually. It means being in the middle, between two extremes, or no better than a standard. A state that I actually detest but know that I accept at times. Today’s M5T takes a look at shattering mediocrity.

1. State of mind

We only have a few years on this little blue marble of a planet and those years go by in the metaphorical blink of an eye. A daily state of mind to make the most of everything we do, taking risks, loving fully, and recognizing and using the unique gifts that we have all been blessed with are the ultimate antidotes to mediocrity.

2. Expectations

Why settle for less than the absolute best in all areas of life? In everything – higher expectations on myself as a man, a husband, a leader, and a friend. It’s an amazing day when you realize that you don’t have to settle for second best, the mediocre, in any area of your life and you’re prepared to do something about it.

3. Shake as necessary

As I thought about mediocrity, I realized there’s some areas in my life that I’ve let slide into the “M” zone. No one else may even know and they certainly may not care, but I know. Time to shake some things up because no one else will do it for me.

4. Do the work

Life is far more fulfilling when we consciously set out to make the most of a current situation, embrace challenges, and be open to and have the patience to make real changes in our lives. No doubt this takes work and effort, but I’d much rather live that way than be stuck in an alternative rut of mediocrity.

5. Your call

Living a full life is about you. You. Not what others think, expect, or even demand of you. Shattering mediocrity and living an extraordinary life isn’t about things, status, or socio-economic standing. It’s about being honest with yourself that you’ve given your all in those areas of your life that are most important. To you.

Here’s to a week of shattering mediocrity by embracing and being the extraordinary, the excellent, and the exceptional.

2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com