Comments on: Can You Be Averagely Great or Greatly Average?

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Hi Annie,
I am glad that you have found this post helpful.
I know how it feels to expect more of yourself than you feel comfortable with and his is not a pleasant feeling Whenever I get to the point where expectations and pressure overwhelm the happiness of being great (an any sense) I enjoy doing some simple things that I am average in. Reminding myself that I am just a human and I do not need to be great 24/7 is always a good way for me to release some tension and stress.

By: Annie Stith

Annie Stith — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:31:30 +0000

Thank you! It was just recently I was commenting on a blog about the five most common stumbling blocks for completing projects to success that I was trying to express some of these very thoughts. One of my stumbling blocks (which wasn’t listed) is the fear of success bringing on expectations of repeat performances as “good” as or somehow “better” in the future if I complete my current project well and on time. It wasn’t about MY expectations (well, OK, maybe a little), but the perception that it should then be easy for a repeat performance. I dealt with this SO much in the working world, especially being a woman breaking down gender barriers. So, again, thank you for your words, which I may borrow as both a mantra and explanation for others. ~~annie

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:55:27 +0000

I love your post. Balance is key. Keep on the “Great” end too long and we experience burnout, stay on the “Average” end to long and we experience apathy. It really is all about balance.

By: zmajeva

zmajeva — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:24:03 +0000

“This pressure blocks your creativity and your thoughts, so instead of being great you become stuck.”

This is how it goes with me, but there are people who works better under the pressure.
Can I feel average and great at the same time? I feel exactly that way.

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:43:48 +0000

Hi Debbie,
acceptance is really at the root of any happy and balanced living. There is no point in jumping over your head trying to be Somebody if you are already somebody where you are.

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:41:51 +0000

Thank you for your wonderful comment Robin. Your comment was full of insights on its own and it can be transformed in a completely different post.
You are right that happiness and joy is what matters the most in the end. If your greatness only brings trouble and headaches than what is the point of this greatness? On the other hand if you feel comfortable in your own place, living your life and doing what you are doing then it is the purest greatness.

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:37:18 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Kevin.
After reading all wonderful comments that everybody left on this post I have looked at this post from a completely different point of view.
Greatness out of virtue is really not hard and it is very natural. However, this is usually not that type of greatness that we hear about a lot. Compulsory greatness is the one we should stay away from to maintain healthy life balance.

By: Anastasiya

Anastasiya — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:32:57 +0000

I loved your point about “awe” Angelia. It is much deeper than miracle or greatness and it is what our life should really be about. When we live with awe we stop worrying about little things that are not important and start admiring everything around us as well as ourselves. Awe can really give the feeling of blissful joy and serenity that a lot of us are seeking in our daily lives.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:20:19 +0000

Thanks for giving me the realization that there is much joy and greatness in being average most of the time! I can do that, no problem. It is really about having an attitude of kindness and compassion towards yourself, and accepting yourself…warts and all.

By: Robin Easton

Robin Easton — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:54:29 +0000

Hi Anastasiya,

I was reading this and knew exactly what you were talking about. Excellent post that raises so many good points and questions. It made me ask myself how is it in my life. It hit me that I now focus on what makes me happy. For me to be at peace and happy (joyous) with whatever I do, IS the Greatness itself. Somewhere along the way I redefined what “greatness” means to me. And it is no longer tied into any external feedback. It is ONLY tied to whether “I” am doing what “I” love and what makes ME happy. AND, am doing what I do for ME?

As long as I am coming from my own heart’s desire and am being fully me, it doesn’t matter what context others put my outcome in. I set my own goals and rewards. Anything else is someone elses feelings/response to deal with, not mine. In this way, I can even do something that to others may appear mediocre but for me is brilliant as I may never have done it before, or it may be the first time that I had a subtle shift in insight or ability, etc.

Thank you for a wonderfully insightful post. It gave me the opportunity to look inside and see more clearly who I am and how I feel. Hugs, Robin