Making peace with being “average” at something you love.
MAKING PEACE WITH BEING “AVERAGE” AT SOMETHING YOU LOVE.
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We arrived at these hallowed institutions carrying an identity already forged: 'Ivy League material.' This label, powerful as it is, often comes with an unspoken burden – the expectation of perpetual excellence, of being at the top, of never just being… average. Yet, the truest path to self-discovery often lies not in achieving more, but in allowing ourselves to simply be.
Think about that hobby you genuinely adore, that activity that truly sparks joy, but where you know you're not going to be a world-beater. Maybe you love playing an instrument but won't headline a concert. Perhaps you enjoy a sport but aren't aiming for the pros. In a culture that celebrates peak performance, embracing "average" in something you love feels almost radical.
This isn't about settling. It's about liberation. It's about reclaiming passion from the clutches of perfectionism. When you allow yourself to be simply good enough, to enjoy the process without the pressure of being the best, you unlock a deeper connection to your authentic self. You learn to value the experience itself, independent of external validation or competitive ranking. This act of finding peace with being average in something you cherish is a profound step in shaping who you are, allowing your identity to extend far beyond the impressive label of your alma mater. It’s where genuine joy resides, untainted by the relentless pursuit of being number one.