Chapter 14. Morbid mediocrity
Journal work
Make two columns in your journal headed: Mediocre and Excellent.
Examine all the different aspects of your life e.g. your work, your
social life, your community, your relationships (listing specific ones if
necessary), your spirituality, your health, your integrity etc. Write a
list of aspects that feel average in the Mediocre column and those
that feel great in the Excellent column.An example:Mediocre aspects of my life Excellent aspects of my life
Relationship with staff My work
Social life Community service
Eating habits Relationship with husbandEveryone has a desire to live a life of greatness and to leave behind a meaningful
legacy. Sometimes, however, your lofty ideals get swept aside by limiting beliefs,
cynicism, a victim mentality and defeatist attitudes. Unconsciously you may be
choosing to live a mediocre life. Yet, each of us has the potential and deep desire to
live a life of greatness. The good news is that it can be done. All it takes is for you to
make a decision and then consciously go about making changes that move you
towards greatness.
Mediocre means low motivation. Low motivation means mediocrity. It doesn’t really
matter which way round it is. It does mean that things will only change when you
decide to put in more energy and effort. Remember: you do NOT have to wait to be
motivated – you can start making changes today.
Stephen Covey says we are four-dimensional beings made up of mind, heart, body
and spirit. He suggests that the way to greatness in your life is two-fold:
Give from all four dimensions of yourself – mind, heart, body and spirit.
Satisfy your needs in relation to these four dimensions: to learn (mind), to
love (heart), to live (body) and to leave a legacy (spirit).
Look after yourself and your needs. This provides you with the energy and inner-
resources you need in order to satisfy all four dimensions. When you give to your
world from your mind, heart, body and spirit, you’ll feel fulfilled and motivated.
Greatness will live within you.