I think so many of us struggle with a sense of inadequacy because we are immersed in a culture of exceptionalism. As a result, we will not dare even to consider being average, nor do we know how to accept it with humility. Our culture of exceptionalism teaches us that being average is never acceptable. But the truth is, if you try to be exceptional at everything, you’ll probably be exceptional at nothing and encounter burnout and the accompanying health consequences. By accepting a counter perspective of life where “being average” is good enough, you’ll have the energy to focus on the things that really matter.
The problem is that this culture of exceptionalism threatens to turn the idea of personal excellence into an anachronism. It is teaching us that it’s terrible to be average. As a result, it inflicts people with chronic hopelessness and loneliness because they feel they can’t settle for anything but being the best. If they don’t, they are a failure.
The reality is that, for the most part, we are all pretty average. We all intuitively understand this, but rarely is it talked about or thought about.
John R. Miles
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Enjoy!
What is exceptionalism?
Exceptionalism is the view that you are fundamentally different from everyone else. And not just distinct: Great. Superior. Extraordinary. And almost every self-help guru is pushing this culture of exceptionalism, telling us that we can not settle for anything else but being the best at what we do. If you are mediocre (being average), it’s akin to a death sentence.
In This Week’s Episode, John R. Miles Explores The Culture of Exceptionalism and Offers a Counter Opinion to the Myth that Being Average is Bad
If you discovered this episode of Passion Struck, you have likely been taught that exceptionalism is the only path to becoming your best self. In today’s Passion Struck podcast Momentum Friday episode, I provide a counter opinion to the myth that being average is a bad thing. I discuss the culture of exceptionalism that is infiltrating so many of our lives, what I mean by daring to be average. And answer the question, why would anyone want to do that?
- The concept that we must be exceptional in everything we do and who we are.
- Is there merit in just being average?
- Why do we live in a culture of exceptionalism?
- Why do some people wear this “blemish” of being average with pride you should consider it too?
- Why being average is perfectly fine.
- There is nothing wrong with identifying as mediocre as a result of your best efforts.
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you’d like to share with us? Drop us a line at [email protected]m!
- Connect with John R Miles on Twitter at @John_RMiles and Instagram at @John_R_Miles.
Questions For You And Your Friends Or Family Members To Discuss This Episode
- Why do so many self-help pundits claim that exceptionalism is the only path to achieving success?
- Why do people have a difficult time accepting the idea of being average?
- What is causing this culture of exceptionalism?
- What are the consequences of believing this culture of exceptionalism is the only path to inner peace?
- Why should we not strive to be average but getting there as an end state is ok?
- What are your key takeaways from today’s episode?
- How can you apply them to your life?
- How will you approach the culture of exceptionalism in the future?
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Resources From The Show On The Culture of Exceptionalism
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- Interested in reading the transcript for the episode? Check it out: https://johnrmiles.com/why-it-is-perfectly-fine-just-being-mediocre/
- My interview with Sara Mednick Ph.D. on the power of the downstate and its impact on performance and health: https://passionstruck.com/sara-mednick-recharge-your-brain-body/
- My interview with Carrington Smith on why we all have moments that define us: https://passionstruck.com/carrington-smith-moments-that-define-us/
- My interview with Katy Milkman, Ph.D. on how to create lasting behavior change: https://passionstruck.com/katy-milkman-behavior-change-for-good/
- My interview with David Yaden Ph.D. on Self-Transcendence, Psychedelics, and Behavior Change: https://passionstruck.com/david-yaden-on-self-transcendence-experiences/
- My interview with Dave Vago, Ph.D. on How To Experience Personal Growth And Awakening Through Meditation And Meta Awareness: https://passionstruck.com/dr-david-vago-on-self-transcendence/
- My interview with former Navy SEAL Mark Divine on the power of meditation: https://passionstruck.com/mark-divine-living-a-life-of-excellence/
- My solo episode on how you can transform your brain: https://youtu.be/Fkrth4tVyFs
About John R. Miles
John R. Miles is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Passion Struck. This full-service media company helps people live intentionally by creating best-in-class educational and entertainment content. John hosts the top-ranked podcast Passion Struck with John R. Miles.
John is also a prolific public speaker and author. John is the host of the PassionStruckPodcast, a show focused on exploring the mindset and philosophy of the world’s highest achievers to learn the lessons of living intentionally.
Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to live better, be better and impact. Stay tuned for John’s latest project, his upcoming book, which will be published in the summer of 2022.
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