Why ‘Being Average’ Might Be the Most Liberating Lifestyle Choice Today

Introduction: The Pressure to Be Extraordinary

In today’s world, the bar for success seems set ever higher. We’re constantly bombarded with images of ultra-successful individuals—entrepreneurs, celebrities, influencers—who redefine what it means to “achieve.” Whether it's wealth, fame, health, or skill, the pressure to excel can feel suffocating. We’re told that the secret to happiness lies in becoming the best at something, the most innovative, or the most remarkable.

But what if the pursuit of being extraordinary is, in fact, a trap? What if being “average” could offer more freedom, peace, and satisfaction than striving for unattainable perfection?

In this article, we’ll explore how ‘being average’ might just be the most liberating lifestyle choice today. We’ll look at how letting go of the need to excel in every aspect of life can lead to greater mental health, deeper relationships, more genuine happiness, and a richer sense of purpose.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why embracing an ‘average’ lifestyle can be revolutionary in today’s hyper-competitive world.

The Myth of Perfection: The Cult of Exceptionalism

One of the main driving forces behind the desire to be extraordinary is the myth of perfection. We live in an age that constantly rewards exceptional achievements—whether it's a viral social media post, a groundbreaking tech innovation, or becoming a top performer in any industry.

This obsession with perfection has deep roots in our culture. The rise of social media and the internet has only amplified these ideals, as platforms reward content that garners attention and views. We witness the curated lives of others—perfect bodies, luxury vacations, and entrepreneurial successes. And before we know it, the idea of "ordinary" feels unworthy of pursuit.

However, the reality is that perfection doesn’t exist. Every story of success comes with its own set of struggles, compromises, and failures that are often left hidden behind the glossy exterior. Embracing an ‘average’ existence—free from the constant pressure to outdo others—allows for a more balanced and authentic life.

The Freedom of Letting Go: No Need to Keep Up With the Joneses

One of the most exhausting parts of striving for greatness is the never-ending race to keep up with others. This phenomenon, often called "keeping up with the Joneses," refers to the competitive urge to match or exceed the lifestyle and achievements of those around us.

In a world where everyone seems to be constantly improving, upgrading, or outperforming, it’s easy to feel left behind or inadequate. This creates an ongoing cycle of stress, anxiety, and frustration, as we keep pushing ourselves beyond our limits to meet external expectations that might not even align with our true desires.

By choosing to embrace ‘average,’ you free yourself from this exhausting race. You focus on your own personal goals, not the arbitrary standards set by society or the success metrics of others. You learn to define what success means to you, rather than adopting someone else’s vision of perfection.

For example, the success of a small business owner doesn’t have to mirror that of Silicon Valley’s tech giants. Happiness comes not from being the best in the world, but from being the best version of yourself according to your values and capabilities.

Mental Health: The Liberation of Setting Realistic Expectations

The quest for perfection can have a detrimental impact on mental health. The constant pressure to perform at an elite level can lead to anxiety, burnout, and depression. Many high-achieving individuals push themselves to extremes, sacrificing their well-being in pursuit of success.

One of the most powerful aspects of ‘being average’ is the mental peace that comes from setting realistic, achievable expectations. When you stop aiming for perfection, you reduce the stress of failure, comparison, and self-criticism.

Studies show that the pursuit of unrealistic standards can lead to issues like imposter syndrome, where individuals doubt their achievements, even when they’ve been highly successful. By allowing yourself to be “average,” you can embrace your imperfections, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and build self-compassion, which leads to improved mental health.

Moreover, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that when individuals adopt a growth mindset—where they focus on progress rather than perfection—they experience lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of satisfaction with life. This approach is the opposite of striving for extraordinary accomplishments and instead focuses on incremental growth, which is far more sustainable and fulfilling.

Relationships: How 'Being Average' Fosters Deeper Connections

Another compelling reason to embrace an average lifestyle is its positive impact on relationships. High expectations, perfectionism, and constant competition often strain personal relationships. The more time and energy you dedicate to being extraordinary, the less you can devote to cultivating meaningful connections with others.

When you let go of the need to be perfect, you create space for authentic relationships. You can embrace vulnerability and share your true self without the fear of being judged or measured against unattainable standards. People are often drawn to authenticity, and relationships built on shared imperfection tend to be deeper and more fulfilling.

Additionally, adopting a mindset that allows for “average” can create healthier boundaries. You stop prioritizing success over people, and your time and energy are invested in nurturing relationships with those who matter most. This is the foundation for a well-balanced and emotionally supportive life.

Consider, for example, the joy found in spending time with loved ones without the pressure of achieving something extraordinary. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet dinner with friends or spending a Sunday afternoon in the park, these moments become more meaningful when the pressure to perform is absent.

The Economics of 'Being Average': Financial Freedom Without Excess

In an increasingly consumer-driven world, people often equate happiness with accumulating wealth and material possessions. We see others living lavish lifestyles and assume that this level of affluence is necessary for happiness. The truth, however, is that the pursuit of money, luxury, and excess can lead to more stress and less satisfaction.

‘Being average’ offers financial liberation. By adopting a more minimalist approach to life, you can avoid the need to constantly keep up with consumer culture. You learn to be content with enough rather than always craving more. This can lead to greater financial freedom and less debt, stress, and insecurity.

Take, for instance, the growing trend of tiny house living. People who choose smaller homes and fewer possessions are often more content because they are no longer burdened by the financial strain of maintaining large, expensive homes or constantly upgrading their material goods.

By embracing an average lifestyle, you prioritize experiences over possessions, relationships over status symbols, and inner peace over external validation. This shift in mindset allows for a more sustainable and fulfilling financial future.

Creativity and Innovation: The Power of Simplicity

Ironically, choosing an average lifestyle can actually lead to greater creativity and innovation. The pressure to be exceptional can stifle originality, as people often conform to established norms in an effort to succeed. When you let go of the need to be the best, you free up mental space to explore new ideas and approaches without fear of failure.

In fact, many of the most innovative thinkers in history didn’t set out to be extraordinary. Instead, they embraced their curiosity and allowed their ideas to grow naturally, without the pressure of perfectionism. Albert Einstein, for example, was known for his simple approach to complex problems. He didn’t try to outdo others—he simply explored his curiosity.

In the world of business, many successful entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable things not by being the most innovative or groundbreaking, but by focusing on what worked and improving incrementally. The success of companies like Apple and Microsoft was not due to one single extraordinary idea but rather a combination of small, consistent improvements to existing concepts.

By embracing an ‘average’ lifestyle, you give yourself permission to fail, experiment, and learn. This creates a fertile ground for innovation and creativity, where progress is seen as a journey rather than an unattainable destination.

The Joy of Being Present: Enjoying the Journey, Not Just the Destination

A key benefit of choosing an average lifestyle is that it allows you to be more present in the moment. In our culture of constant striving, we often overlook the simple pleasures of life. The obsession with reaching the next milestone or achieving the next goal robs us of our ability to enjoy the journey.

When you stop chasing an impossible standard of excellence, you can savor the small joys of everyday life. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or having a heartfelt conversation, you begin to find fulfillment in the present rather than postponing happiness for a future achievement.

Mindfulness and acceptance are powerful tools in fostering a more ‘average’ approach to life. Studies show that mindfulness practices, which emphasize living in the moment, can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

The ability to enjoy life as it is, rather than constantly measuring yourself against external benchmarks, is a key component of true contentment.

Rethinking Success: The Paradox of Achieving ‘Ordinary’ Goals

Another powerful argument for adopting an ‘average’ lifestyle is the redefinition of success itself. Society often equates success with extraordinary achievements—being a millionaire, becoming a renowned expert, or building an empire. Yet, this perspective ignores the fact that many ordinary achievements are deeply valuable, even if they’re not celebrated by the masses.

Success doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be meaningful. For many people, success may mean being a good parent, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, or having the courage to pursue a modest but fulfilling career. Ordinary success might also include fostering deep, authentic friendships or contributing to a community in meaningful ways. These achievements might not be lauded by the media or your social media followers, but they can create a life that’s rich in satisfaction and emotional wealth.

The famous psychologist Abraham Maslow outlined a hierarchy of needs that emphasizes the importance of self-actualization, which is defined as reaching one’s fullest potential. For many, self-actualization doesn’t come from monumental achievements but from fulfilling basic psychological needs—like love, security, and belonging—often found in average, day-to-day experiences.

This approach to success is not about settling for mediocrity; rather, it’s about recognizing that “average” can be quite powerful. When we embrace this perspective, we realize that success is not always about being the loudest, most accomplished, or the richest. Instead, it’s about being content with who we are and finding meaning in the ordinary moments.

Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance is often overlooked. People are encouraged to hustle, grind, and sacrifice personal time in the name of success. The expectation to work longer hours, be constantly productive, and climb the career ladder often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.

By adopting an ‘average’ lifestyle, individuals can prioritize balance over ambition. Rather than pushing themselves to the limits of their professional capabilities, they can create space for rest, hobbies, and time with loved ones. This doesn’t mean abandoning ambition altogether; it means pursuing success in a sustainable way.

The concept of work-life balance is well-documented in research, particularly in the field of occupational health. Studies have shown that individuals who maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives are less likely to experience chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. In fact, taking regular breaks and vacations, as well as setting boundaries between work and personal time, can improve productivity in the long term.

Take, for instance, the story of Arianna Huffington, the founder of The Huffington Post, who became an advocate for work-life balance after experiencing a burnout in 2007. Her decision to shift her priorities toward health, sleep, and well-being ultimately led to her writing books on wellness and founding Thrive Global, a company that focuses on well-being in the workplace. Huffington’s example demonstrates that success doesn't need to come at the expense of personal happiness.

The Concept of 'Good Enough': Embracing Excellence Without Perfection

The idea of being "good enough" may sound counterintuitive to those who have been taught that only the best is acceptable. However, the concept of striving for "good enough" can be an immensely liberating lifestyle choice. It’s the realization that perfection is neither necessary nor attainable, and that contentment and satisfaction can be found in simply doing our best within our own abilities.

Many people fear that if they don't aim for perfection, they’ll be seen as lazy or uncommitted. But "good enough" is not about mediocrity; it’s about excellence within realistic boundaries. The beauty of this approach is that it reduces the pressure to meet impossible standards, while still allowing for improvement and growth.

The pursuit of "good enough" is especially relevant in professional settings. For example, in the corporate world, employees who focus on delivering quality work without getting bogged down in the small, often unnecessary details tend to be more productive and less stressed. They meet their deadlines, contribute meaningfully to their teams, and still have the energy to enjoy their personal lives.

Research on perfectionism, particularly in high-achieving fields like law, medicine, and academia, suggests that the pressure to be perfect leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and even mental health issues. The concept of "good enough" helps people navigate these pressures by encouraging a mindset that values progress and completion over unattainable perfection.

Living with Less: The Minimalist Approach to Happiness

Minimalism is another lifestyle that aligns well with embracing ‘average.’ Minimalism is about consciously choosing to live with less—to focus on the things that bring the most value and joy, and to let go of the unnecessary distractions. This approach can lead to greater happiness, freedom, and clarity.

Living with less allows for more mental and physical space. You no longer need to accumulate possessions, manage a sprawling house, or maintain a high-maintenance lifestyle. Minimalism promotes the idea that material wealth and outward success are not the keys to happiness. Instead, happiness can be found in simplicity, mindfulness, and contentment.

The minimalist movement has gained significant traction in recent years, with influencers and advocates like Marie Kondo popularizing the concept. Kondo’s best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, emphasizes how decluttering can reduce stress and improve focus, leading to greater contentment.

Additionally, minimalism isn’t just about physical possessions; it can also apply to one’s emotional life. By shedding unnecessary obligations and toxic relationships, people can create a more peaceful and fulfilling existence. This approach to life is directly aligned with being "average" because it removes the need to constantly pursue bigger, better, or more complex things.

Sustainability: The Environmental Benefits of a Simpler Life

As the world grapples with environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, embracing an average or minimalist lifestyle can also have a positive impact on sustainability. The consumer-driven culture that encourages constant purchasing and upgrading contributes significantly to environmental degradation. By choosing to live with less and focus on quality over quantity, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Adopting an average lifestyle means rejecting the idea that more is always better. Instead, people can prioritize sustainable choices like buying fewer but more durable goods, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly brands. These conscious decisions can help reduce the environmental impact of overconsumption, benefiting the planet as a whole.

The concept of sustainable living is closely linked with the slow-living movement, which advocates for taking time to appreciate the present moment and living in a way that is both mindful and responsible. By choosing simplicity over excess, individuals can align their lifestyles with their values, creating a sense of purpose that transcends the pursuit of material wealth.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly obsessed with excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness, the idea of embracing ‘average’ may seem counterintuitive, even radical. However, the freedom, peace, and satisfaction that come from rejecting the pressure to be exceptional can lead to a far more fulfilling and balanced life. From reducing stress and mental health issues to fostering deeper, more authentic relationships, choosing to be ‘average’ in certain aspects of life can ultimately provide a sense of contentment that many high achievers never experience.

Living a life that prioritizes balance, mindfulness, and authenticity over perfection offers a new paradigm for success—one where the pursuit of happiness doesn’t require constant comparison to others or striving to meet unrealistic standards. By opting for a lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around being extraordinary, individuals can redefine success in terms of personal growth, well-being, and connection.

In the end, being average is not about settling for less—it’s about understanding that contentment, joy, and fulfillment don’t always require exceptional accomplishments or constant hustle. Sometimes, living a simpler, more balanced life is the most liberating choice one can make, leading to genuine happiness and sustainable success.

Q&A

Q: Why is "being average" considered liberating in today’s world?

A: ‘Being average’ offers liberation by reducing the pressure to constantly outperform others. It allows individuals to focus on their own goals, improving mental health, fostering deeper relationships, and living a more balanced life.

Q: How does pursuing perfection affect mental health?

A: The constant pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. People striving for perfection often experience imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and an unhealthy obsession with external validation, negatively impacting their mental well-being.

Q: Can adopting an "average" lifestyle improve work-life balance?

A: Yes, adopting an average lifestyle allows individuals to prioritize personal time, set boundaries, and avoid the burnout associated with overworking. A focus on balance can lead to healthier physical and emotional well-being.

Q: How does being average impact relationships?

A: Embracing average can lead to more authentic relationships. By letting go of the need to be perfect or compete with others, people can form deeper, more meaningful connections based on mutual respect and vulnerability.

Q: Does the concept of being average contradict the pursuit of self-improvement?

A: Not at all. Being average isn’t about avoiding growth; it’s about setting realistic expectations for improvement. Self-improvement within personal limits can lead to fulfillment without the need for extraordinary success or perfection.

Q: How does minimalism relate to an average lifestyle?

A: Minimalism is a form of embracing ‘average’ in the sense that it prioritizes simplicity, quality over quantity, and meaningful experiences over material wealth. It focuses on what truly matters and brings joy, reducing distractions and stress.

Q: Is it possible to be "average" in all areas of life and still achieve success?

A: Yes, success can be found in being good enough rather than striving for excellence in every area. Success is personal, and sometimes it’s about maintaining balance, pursuing what brings you joy, and achieving your own version of fulfillment.

Q: How can embracing average promote creativity?

A: Letting go of perfectionism can free up mental space for exploration and experimentation. When you're not worried about being the best, you can think more creatively and innovatively, allowing new ideas to emerge naturally.

Q: Can being average lead to financial freedom?

A: Absolutely. By living below one’s means and rejecting consumer culture, individuals can achieve financial freedom. Focusing on simple living and making conscious, sustainable choices reduces financial stress and allows for a more secure future.

Q: How does mindfulness play a role in living an average lifestyle?

A: Mindfulness encourages living in the present moment, which aligns with being average. Instead of constantly chasing external achievements, mindfulness allows people to appreciate everyday moments, fostering happiness and contentment with what they have.