How to Get Average: Accepting and Achieving Realistic Goals
When we think of goals, we often think of shooting for the stars, going above and beyond what we think we’re capable of. But what about just being average? While it may not sound glamorous, striving for average can be a smart, achievable, and even practical approach to achieving success. This article will explore why getting average might be important, specific steps or strategies for achieving an average goal, real examples of average achievements, the benefits and drawbacks of aiming for average, and a concluding takeaway for readers.
Why Getting Average Might Be Important
It’s important to understand that aiming for an average goal doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity or giving up on one’s passions. Rather, it means setting a realistic expectation for what can be achieved with one’s current resources, skills, and circumstances. Here are a few reasons why getting average might be important:
- Practicality: Sometimes, we might simply need to achieve a minimum level of success to move forward in our careers or personal lives such as obtaining a passing grade in a class, meeting a deadline for work submissions, or finishing a project with reasonable efficiency. In these cases, aiming for average can help us achieve practical results that are sufficient enough to meet our basic needs and move onto something else.
- Achievability: Some goals can be so lofty that it may seem impossible to reach them. In contrast, aiming for average gives us a tangible and achievable target, which is a great motivator for helping us get started, stay focused, and track our progress.
- Flexibility: Aiming for average can allow us room to adjust our plans or goals when we experience unforeseen challenges or changes. Instead of feeling stuck trying to reach a perfect outcome, aiming for average allows us flexibility in our approach and embraces the idea that we may experience setbacks and that is okay.
Lastly, many people have the misconception that getting average means settling for less or not putting in any effort. However, this is not necessarily true at all. Getting average is about realistic goals and setting a meaningful bar for ourselves.
Specific Steps or Strategies for Achieving an Average Goal
While aiming for average might seem like it’s lacking in ambition, it’s actually a practical and effective method for achieving progress. Here are specific steps or strategies for achieving an average goal:
- Establish Realistic Goals: Set goals that are realistic and attainable such as learning a new skill, adopting a habit or completing a project.
- Maintain Consistency: Consistency is key; small consistent efforts make them better and have a greater impact than large, sporadic efforts that can lead to inconsistencies
- Seek Out Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help where necessary. Consult with experts, professionals or people that have successfully achieved similar goals.
Setting realistic expectations also means accepting the possibility of setbacks or not reaching our original goals as consistently as we had hoped. When we are realistic in our goals and expect to see the setbacks, we are less likely to be disappointed or give up.
Real Examples of Average Achievements
To add further inspiration, here are some examples of real people who have achieved average results:
- Finishing a work presentation and getting through it without too many technical issues
- Going to the gym 3 times a week and sticking to a healthy exercise routine
- Passing an important exam that you have studied for
These achievements may seem mundane, but they were still achieved, and the importance is no less significant.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Aiming for Average
While striving for average can be a practical and achievable approach for some people, it may not be the right method for everyone or every situation. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of aiming for average:
- Benefits: Avoiding burnout by setting attainable goals, feeling satisfied with ‘good enough’ and addressing perfectionism are common benefits of aiming for average.
- Drawbacks: In some contexts, such as competitive industries or high-stakes pursuits, aiming for average may not be enough to stand out or achieve desired results. Additionally, aiming for average may not address underlying issues like procrastination, fear of failure or laziness, so seeking help or exploring further can be necessary.
It’s important to recognize your own goals and situations to determine if aiming for average is the right choice for you!
Conclusion and Takeaway
While aiming for average may seem counterintuitive to our expectations to succeeding, it can be a practical and achievable approach for many people and situations. By setting realistic goals, maintaining consistency, and seeking out help, we have a clear path to success, even if it’s just average! Aim high of course, but don’t think it’s necessarily a lower form of success to reach for average.
