For years, I was stuck in a rut of mediocrity.
You know the scenario:
– Lack of motivation
– Constant procrastination
– No clear goals
– Never taking risks.
And living each day feeling like you’re just going through the motions, with no real progress or fulfillment.
My rock bottom hit about a decade ago. I wasn’t escaping any of these patterns.
During that time, I lived with regret, frustration and an incessant feeling of being stuck.
My life seemed to be going nowhere. I was the epitome of mediocrity and it was deeply dissatisfying.
And then, it hit me: I was embodying the 7 habits of mediocre people who never make it far in life, as psychology suggests.
In this article, I’m going to share these habits with you. My hope is that by recognizing them, you can avoid falling into the same trap I did.
Let’s dive in.
1) Fear of failure
The first habit that keeps people stuck in mediocrity, according to psychology, is the fear of failure.
It seems obvious, but when you’re stuck in the cycle of mediocrity, it’s often because you’re terrified of failing. This fear can be so powerful that it prevents you from taking any risks or stepping out of your comfort zone.
I too once lived in this paralyzing fear. I was afraid to take on new challenges or pursue ambitious goals for fear that I’d fail and feel worse about myself than I already did.
But I’ve come to realize that failure isn’t something to be feared – it’s something to be embraced. It’s through our failures that we learn and grow. Failure is simply a stepping stone on the path to success.
If you find yourself stuck in this fear, take small steps to overcome it. Start with a small risk or a new challenge. When you face failure – because you will – learn from it and keep moving forward.
Remember: every successful person has failed numerous times before finally finding their path to success. Don’t let your fear of failure keep you trapped in mediocrity.
2) Lack of self-belief
The second habit that keeps people chained to mediocrity, psychology tells us, is a lack of self-belief.
Self-doubt has been my constant companion for most of my life. I used to doubt my capabilities and worth, always second-guessing myself. This lack of confidence in myself was a significant roadblock on my path to success.
I remember when I first started, I was filled with uncertainty. I doubted whether I had the skills or the knowledge to make it successful. This crippling self-doubt almost stopped me from taking the plunge.
Then one day, I came across a quote by psychologist and self-help author Dr. Joyce Brothers that struck a chord: “Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.”
This quote resonated with me deeply and challenged me to change my mindset. It was time to stop doubting and start believing in myself.
So, if you find yourself doubting your abilities or your worth, remember Dr. Brothers’ words. Start thinking of yourself as a success, and you’ll be amazed at the changes it can bring about in your life.
3) Procrastination
Next on the list of habits that breed mediocrity is procrastination.
Procrastination was a habit I used to indulge in frequently. I would put off tasks, make excuses, and let my to-do list pile up. The result? Stagnation and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
I recall when I wanted to write my first book. The idea was there, the plan was there, but every time I sat down to write, I’d find a reason to postpone it. “I’m not in the right mood,” “I need more research,” “I’ll start tomorrow.” Tomorrow turned into days, weeks and eventually months.
One day, I realized that procrastination wasn’t serving me; it was keeping me stuck in mediocrity. I had to face the fact that there would never be a ‘perfect’ time or mood.
So, I made a decision. No more delaying, no more excuses. I sat down and started writing – and haven’t looked back since.
If you find yourself constantly procrastinating, remember that there’s no perfect time for anything. The best time to start is now.
Break down your tasks into manageable bits and tackle them one at a time. You’ll be surprised how much progress you can make when you stop putting things off.
4) Neglecting personal growth
Another habit that psychologists say keeps people in mediocrity is neglecting personal growth.
I used to be one of those people who believed that once you finish school or university, your learning days are over. I would get home from work and spend my evenings watching TV or scrolling through social media, doing nothing to further my knowledge or skills.
Then, I came across a study conducted by the Pew Research Center which found that successful people are significantly more likely to dedicate time to personal growth and continuous learning.
This research made me realize that if I wanted to break free from mediocrity, I needed to commit to lifelong learning and personal development.
So, I started reading more, attending workshops, listening to podcasts and continually seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. This commitment to personal growth has been a game-changer in my journey from mediocrity to success.
If you’re neglecting your personal growth, I urge you to make it a priority. Remember, learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Successful people never stop growing and improving themselves.
5) Resistance to change
Psychology tells us that another habit of mediocre people is a resistance to change.
I used to be that guy. I was comfortable in my routine, even if it wasn’t serving me. The thought of change was daunting. I preferred to stick with what I knew, even when it wasn’t leading me anywhere.
But then I realized that staying in my comfort zone was holding me back. It was keeping me stuck in the same place, with the same results.
So, I decided to embrace change. I started with small things – a new morning routine, a different route to work, exploring new hobbies. Gradually, I began to take bigger steps towards change.
Embracing change opened up a world of opportunities for me. It pushed me out of mediocrity and towards growth and success.
If you find yourself resisting change, remember that growth and change go hand in hand. You can’t progress if you’re not willing to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the new and unknown.
6) Comparing oneself to others
Another habit that psychology identifies in those who stay stuck in mediocrity is constantly comparing oneself to others.
I was no stranger to this habit. I’d look at my friends, colleagues, and even strangers on social media, and compare my life to theirs. I’d see their achievements, their possessions, their seemingly perfect lives and feel a sense of inadequacy.
Then, I stumbled upon a quote by renowned psychologist Albert Ellis: “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
This quote reminded me that everyone’s journey is unique and that comparing myself to others was not only pointless but also detrimental to my own growth and success.
The moment I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on my own journey was when I began to break free from mediocrity.
If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to others’, remember Ellis’s words. Focus on your own journey and take control of your destiny. Your path to success is unique to you.
7) Always seeking perfection
Ironically, the last habit that psychology suggests keeps people in mediocrity is always seeking perfection.
Believe it or not, I used to be a perfectionist. I’d spend excessive amounts of time perfecting a task or a project, often to the point of exhaustion. I thought that by striving for perfection, I was setting myself up for success.
But what I didn’t realize was that my pursuit of perfection was actually holding me back. It caused me to procrastinate, to fear failure, and to be constantly unsatisfied with my efforts.
The truth is, perfection is an illusion. It’s unattainable and unnecessary for success.
So instead of striving for perfection, I started striving for progress.
The shift from perfection to progress was a turning point in my journey from mediocrity to success.
If you’re a perfectionist, try this: next time you start a task or a project, aim for progress rather than perfection. Set achievable goals, celebrate small wins and most importantly, learn to let go of the idea of perfect.
You’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be and how much more you can achieve.
Conclusion
Breaking free from mediocrity and stepping into success isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that requires self-awareness, courage, and consistent effort.
Remember, your journey is unique to you – there’s no need to compare it to others’. Embrace change, commit to personal growth, and let go of the illusion of perfection.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. As I’ve learned from my own journey, self-belief is the most powerful tool you have on your path to success.
So, start today. Identify one habit from this list that resonates with you and take one small action towards changing it. Small steps lead to big changes. You have the power to move beyond mediocrity and create a life of success and fulfillment. You just have to start.
