Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the modern world treats people who just blend in versus those who are willing to stand out.
When I wrote this tweet, I was reflecting on how unforgiving things can be if you settle for “good enough.” At the same time, the upside for people who push past average and aim for excellence feels bigger than ever.
Finding the Extraordinary Within
For me, it starts with self-awareness. I try to notice the habits that keep me stuck in “average mode” and intentionally replace them with ones that move me closer to mastery—whether that’s writing, coding, or building things.
I’ve also seen how much markets reward conviction over simple compliance. Real growth in my own life has come when I’ve committed to a direction that didn’t always make sense to everyone around me. That’s meant making bold bets, being okay with standing out, and staying persistent even when the results weren’t immediate.
When it comes to negotiation and leadership, I’ve learned that empathy and calculated risk matter a lot. The more I understand what other people actually care about, the better I get at framing ideas in a way that resonates. Whether it’s a career move, a project, or a relationship, the best outcomes usually come from connecting at a real, human level.
Embrace the Challenge
Being exceptional, at least in my experience, isn’t just about titles or external markers of success. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work even when it’s boring or hard, and treating each setback as data instead of a verdict.
I try to see every challenge as training for what’s next. It’s not the occasional wins that move the needle—it’s the quiet consistency, the reps no one sees, that slowly compound into something meaningful.
Final Thoughts
“Average” feels safe in the short term, but I’ve realized it can leave you exposed when the world suddenly expects more from you. Aiming higher is uncomfortable and risky, but it’s also the clearest path I know to turning potential into real opportunity.
If you’re reading this, I’d invite you to use my tweet—and these reflections—as a small push to raise your own bar. The road to something extraordinary is still open to anyone who’s willing to keep going. I’m trying to walk that path myself, one intentional step at a time.