Have you heard the saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”?
This quote has been echoed through the ages to encourage good works and competence.
Doing your best is always a good way to tackle anything you want to accomplish.
The average person is usually trying to do the best they can.
We feel better about ourselves, reach more goals, and become more successful when we
do a good job.
But what if you wanted to become more than average?
What if you wanted to excel to greater heights in your relationships and workplace?
What would it take to be a cut above?
What would you need to do to perform above average?
Well, let’s take a look at what makes someone truly exceptional.
Show up!
One thing people do who perform at above average levels is to show up.
It seems like such a simple thing to do-but think about it.
How many times have you counted on someone to do something, and they didn’t show up?
Average people often intend to show up for the job, the event or other situation they
have agreed to take on but then cancel commitments or don’t realize the extent of what was
expected of them.
By showing up on a regular basis, you are already on a path of being above average.
Knowing that people can rely on you to be there when you said you would makes a huge
difference.
Actor William Shatner stated, “Any success I have had began by my showing up on time,
being prepared, and doing the best possible job.”
Showing up for yourself is important too.
For example, if you wanted to learn a new skill, you would need to show up on a regular
basis for practice or training.
People who are above average at things like playing an instrument or a sport, or developing
superior business skills, show up to do the work they need to do in order to accomplish
their goal.
In communities, when there is work to be done, or policies that need to be decided, it takes
people to get together and make plans.
It takes people who can commit to a greater cause.
Above average people don’t just sit back and let someone else do it.
They get involved.
The world is run by people who show up.
Perform Consistently Sometimes people get lucky and achieve something
surprisingly great without too much effort.
Everyone cheers their success and they are on the top of the world…until they’re
not.
There is a saying, “Every 24 hours the world rolls over on someone who’s sitting on top
of it.”
Regardless of what you may have achieved, your efforts are likely to be outshined by
the next great thing that comes along if that’s all you have.
People who are above average don’t stop at one success.
In fact, they are usually motivated and inspired to get on to the next project.
You can’t be satisfied with past achievements.
Yes, you’ve done some stuff, but what have you done lately?
Some musical artists don’t display their gold records because they don’t want to
see themselves as having “made it.”
By not dwelling on what they’ve already achieved, they are driven to look toward their
next masterpiece.
Above average people keep looking for new mountains to climb.
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, but what you do consistently”,
stated American Entrepreneur Marie Forleo.
Above average people are able to continually produce quality work.
They can be relied on to not only finish a job, but create something original and exceptional
again and again.
Above average people deliver on a regular basis and always aim to hit the mark.
They don’t settle for mediocre.
They know their worth and expect to do their best work every time.
Attention to Detail The average person does their job.
To perform above average, details matter.
For example, completing a task is a basic skill.
Checking to be sure things are correct, organized, and done efficiently demonstrates above average
ability.
Anticipating the wants or needs of others can also show attention to detail.
While looking at a situation, think about what might come up, and be prepared to respond.
When you’re at a restaurant, isn’t it nice when the waiter fills up your water glass
without you having to ask, has a pleasant conversation with you, or offers a menu suggestion
that makes your experience more enjoyable, rather than just doing the minimum requirement
of their job?
By going the extra mile you show people you care about their needs.
Whether you are creating a pleasurable dining experience or a top level presentation to
a business firm, showing that you are prepared, knowledgeable, capable and respectful of people’s
time and interests, shows you are performing at an above average level.
Business man Sebastian Barbarito said it like this, “The difference between mediocrity
and excellence is attention to detail.”
The Best Version of You To perform at above average capacity, you’ll
also need to take care of yourself.
By getting regular exercise, restful sleep, and eating healthy foods, you can be ready
to take on your tasks with energy and clarity.
Author Jules Robson said, “Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle.”
To do above average work you need to be physically and mentally at your best.
When you are healthy, you feel good.
And when you feel good you can do more, think more and be more.
By prioritizing your own health, and respecting your own needs and goals, you open doors to
achieving above average accomplishments.
When you take care of yourself, you exemplify self respect.
You teach others how to treat you by allowing behaviors that support your best self image,
and respect your boundaries.
Be an Expert Another thing that above average people do,
is to be top-notch in whatever it is they choose to do.
For example, if you want to fly an airplane, acquire the knowledge and training needed,
then go a little bit further.
Hone your skills, study the details about aircrafts and practice more than you have
to.
Work on your soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Make a list of what qualities you believe someone should have to be an airplane pilot.
And then develop those qualities in yourself.
By learning everything you can about whatever it is you want to do, you move into the above
average category.
If you have the resources and put in the time to be the best at what you’re doing, others
may look to you as a professional in your field.
Read books, watch videos, take classes or talk with a mentor to find what you need to
know.
Philosopher Matthew Ferrara said, “The average salesperson commission rate only matters if
you are an average salesperson.”
Look above the average statistics.
Look above the average expectation and you may find another level to strive for.
Think about what the “above average” numbers would look like.
When you develop more skills and information you might find yourself producing “above
average” work that reaps “above average” benefits.
Keep Going It can be easy at times to be discouraged
and give up on your goals.
At the very least you may be tempted to just do the minimum amount to get by.
But if you truly desire to perform above average, then you can’t quit.
People who strive to reach their highest goals never give in to being just average.
Singer Songwriter Taylor Swift once said, “I’m intimidated by the fear of being
average.”
When you find the drive and passion to be above average, it propels you forward to keep
going even when times get tough.
By being dependable, consistently showing a high level of competency and paying attention
to detail you will be well on your way to performing above average.
A healthy lifestyle and staying informed of current information and practices may help
you to reach the goals you have set for yourself.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
Just be the best version of you.
Author Oscar Wilde wrote, “Be yourself: Everyone else is already taken.”
You don’t need to take anyone down to move yourself up.
It’s not about beating out the competition, it’s about constantly reaching for and challenging
your own personal best.
And when you do that, you’re already above average.
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