By: Detri L. McGhee, CLU, ChFC
Watching the college baseball playoffs recently, I asked my husband who he was rooting for. He told me, and added, “I don’t want the other team to win! They always win, I’m sick of them!” I must confess, I still don’t fully understand that logic, but through the years, I have heard that same sentiment in one form or another, in many different situations.
It seems common in human nature to speak ill of those whom we consider less successful, less articulate, less educated than we are. That type of criticism often comes disguised as pity, sadness, or concern. However, because these critics seldom actually DO anything to help those people, their actions prove that they are merely empty windbags trying to make themselves look good by pointing out other people’s faults.
Even more criticism is hurled on those who rise to the top in their careers, family life, or other personal relationships. Of course, seldom is this criticism given directly to their face. This tells us that the idea is to criticize, not at all to actually help the one being criticized. What employee hasn’t spoken badly about their boss – behind their back? What are the root causes of that kind of criticism? Envy is possibly #1. Jealousy a close #2.
The mediocre employee usually just goes unnoticed. Offends few. Impresses even fewer. They are just there, doing enough to stay employed but not enough to excel. To the timid that sounds pretty good.
Few of us take time to consider our future and come to the conclusion that our primary goal is to be mediocre. Most of us have some big dreams, some high hopes, some lofty ideas of how we want life to be in the future. Yet, it has been said that “most people die with their dreams buried with them.”
Solomon said, “Where there is no vision the people perish. Another version says, “Where there are no dreams, the people die” (Proverbs 29:18).
Depression, inertia, and even much anger, frustration, and hate can be attributed to dreams held close to the heart, but never pursued. However, pursuing your dreams, stretching your talents enough to actually DO what you dream of requires focus, determination, discipline, and facing failures along the way. Most of us aren’t willing to do that. No one who has excelled has been spared some failures along the way. But, failure hurts, giving most a reason to stop. Too often people equate experiencing failure with being a failure. They are not the same.
Tell me, what would you do if you knew you could not fail?
So, once again we come to the point where we are reminded of the importance of making wise CHOICES. We all make many choices each day that direct the day’s outcome. Some have no visible consequences – like choosing the white shirt over the blue – but some affect the rest of our lives. It is wise to routinely consider – even ponder — those choices, and ask, “Are the choices I am making today moving me forward toward the person I want to be? … Am I stuck in mediocrity because I fear failure? … Or do I fear success? … Am I simply living day to day, or am I following my inner visions of who and what I want to be?”
The Case for Mediocrity? It is less painful, less work, and less criticism. “Only the mediocre are always at their best” is an old saying.
The Case for Seeking Excellence as I Pursue My Vision: Excitement, fulfillment, self-esteem, satisfaction of achievement, seeing your vision come to life because you CHOOSE to run with patience the race that is set before you!
Mediocrity can be overcome by striving for excellence. Never strive for perfection. Always strive for excellence, in all you do, great or small, and harvest the delicious fruit of your labor.
Blessings to each of you in this season of celebration for this country and the gift America provides us of supporting all who strive for excellence in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
God bless America, my home, sweet, home!
Detri would love to hear from you! How do you develop your EI? Especially your thoughts on how to handle criticism, worry, fear or problems you would like to get feedback on from others. Email: detrimcghee@gmail.com or Facebook: Free outline for Criticism Management available at www.criticismmanagement.com.
By: Detri McGhee – CLU, ChFC
June 20, 2025
