Fit for Life: Are You "Average?"

Fit for Life: Are You "Average?"

Take the people you surround yourself with, look at their success and the impact they make on civilization, and you will become a product of that environment.

 

Two weeks ago, I attended a live conference in Arizona. The crowd consisted of high performers, fitness experts, and entrepreneurs. There were also people from different business backgrounds, such as big social media influencers and physiological health experts, which took the energy to another level.

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I also noticed that most of the crowd was in great physical shape. Yes, there were a few noticeably "out of condition" people, and there were most likely some folks struggling with business, but a high percentage of attendees were jacked and successful. Every presenter who took the stage had a similar message… lead yourself before you attempt to lead others.

 

Now, I consider myself in good shape and feel like I am on my way to becoming a successful business owner. However, in the presence of the folks at that conference, I felt "average," and the event theme was "average is the enemy."

 

My goal in life is to never be average, and in contrast to most of the population, and small businesses in the world, we try to be way above average. However, in that room of 500+ people, I wasn't. I felt average or below.

 

Be advised that comparison is the thief of joy. Therefore, I wasn't comparing myself to anyone; I was measuring myself against a certain standard I had created for myself. A standard that doesn't come easy or, as I think more deeply, may be impossible to reach, which is why the journey will go on forever.

 

I left the conference feeling optimistic, fulfilled, energized, and ready to take action. I didn't necessarily learn anything new or hear anything that I hadn't heard before, but I was reminded of many things I have known for the past 30 years. Being surrounded by high performers raised the thermostat, which made me want to turn up the heat.

 

So on Sunday morning, I left Arizona, went home and unpacked, watched the end of the Pats game, hit Lincoln Woods for a workout, visited my mother, and then went home and prepped my meals for the week. I established a new standard and set some new goals, and I have been fired up ever since.

 

Fast-forward to the following weekend when, I went to patronize a business that had been around for many years and contained a room full of low-energy complainers. I sat there listening to all the "victims" wallow about why life wasn't working out for them. I heard every excuse, from the weather hindering their plans to why diets don't work for them, as they indulged in soda and mocked people who exercised.

 

As I sat and listened, I soon realized why some are successful and others become victims of circumstance.

Here are a few takeaways from these past few week's experiences.

 

    1.    Mindset plays a significant role in where we end up. Whether you think you can or can't, you are right. Pay attention to the people around you. Are they the type that constantly talks about their problems and why they can't, or are they the people finding solutions and figuring out ways they WILL do something. There is a lot of opportunity in the world. However, the ones that seize the most are the ones that go after it the hardest.

    2.    Standards matter. Compare yourself to a higher standard, and you strive to be better on all levels. Compare yourself with the average, and you will fall to the level of average, or even worse, below. I once heard a quote: "The person in the room with the highest standard and the lowest tolerance is usually the leader." Good leaders hold themselves to the highest standard, accept responsibility, and have little tolerance for bullshit excuses. Hang with these types of people and you will become a better leader, and a higher performer.

    3.    Energy is infectious, and what you put out usually comes back. While at the conference, I must have shaken 100 hands per day. Everyone in the room was there to get better. No ego's, no attitudes. You could walk up to a stranger and start a conversation, swap numbers, and make a friend. You instinctively want to grow and improve when you associate with crowds like that.

 

So why am I telling you this?

 

Because deep down, who wants to be average?

Do you like average restaurants with average food & service?

Do you listen to average music?

Do you like average movies?

Do you want your kids to be average?

 

The bad news is many accept mediocrity, and average is good enough.

THE GOOD NEWS is that it takes little to be above average today.

 

Here are three examples:

    1.    Dial in your nutrition and exercise 3x per week. The average American does NOT do either of these.

    2.    Say hello to a stranger. You will be amazed at how it makes both of you feel. The average person doesn't bother.

    3.    Exceed expectations and care. The average person does the bare minimum just to get by and doesn't care about much more than themselves.

 

In conclusion, we all have choices. If you prefer to be average, that's great. There's nothing wrong with that, and I respect your decision. Not everyone wants the stress and hard work that comes with success.

 

However, if you want to be above average and perform at a higher level, you need to adopt a growth mindset, set higher standards, surround yourself with like-minded people, and keep taking action daily.

 

Remember, "Average is the Enemy." You were destined for more!!

 

Coach Matt