Well Below Average

I don’t have all the answers. In fact I don’t have that many at all.

While the world seems to scream at us that we should believe in ourselves and that working on our self-esteem should be at the top of out ‘to do list’, I’m realising more and more that I just don’t make the grade.

As much as I’d like to think it, I’m not better than average. I’m not even average. I’m somewhere below average … and that’s not such a bad thing.

I read a post by Derek Sivers this morning titled I assume I’m below average and found myself nodding in agreement.

I encourage you to read his post for the full picture but in part he says,

To assume you’re below average is to admit you’re a beginner. It puts you in student mind. It keeps your focus on present practice and future possibilities, and away from any past accomplishments.

Most people are so worried about looking good that they never do anything great.

Most people are so worried about doing something great that they never do anything at all.

Sivers talks about illusory superiority which causes people to overestimate their positive qualities and abilities and underestimate their negative qualities in relation to others.

When we’re overinflated with self-importance we’re not open to hearing from others or admitting that they may have something worhtwhile to contribute. When we admit that we don’t have all the answers we begin to pay more attention to the wisdom of others.

So there, I’ve said it. I’m well below average.



Do you think some of your friends would enjoy reading Well Below Average? Please use the buttons below to share the post. Thanks.

About the author

Rodney Olsen

Rodney is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster from Perth Western Australia.

He previously worked in radio for about 25 years but these days he spends his time at Compassion Australia, working towards releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

The views he expresses here are his own.

View all posts

Join the conversation