Why Most People Stay Average (And How Not to Be One of Them)

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Most people live the same year over and over again and call it a life. They wake up, follow the same routine, scroll through the same apps, complain about the same things, and never really change. Not because they aren’t capable of more, but because they’ve convinced themselves that “this is just how life is.”

But life isn’t supposed to feel like a loop. You’re not meant to just exist. You’re meant to grow, evolve, and create something that feels like yours.

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The Moment I Realized I Was Stuck

I remember a time when my days felt like copies of each other. Wake up, work, scroll, sleep, repeat. I thought I was “doing okay,” but deep down, I felt empty. Like I was just passing time instead of living it.

One day, I saw a quote that hit me harder than I expected:

“You weren’t born to just pay bills and die.”

It was simple, but it forced me to stop and think. I realized I wasn’t living—I was just existing. That was the day I decided to change. Not because I had some big epiphany or grand plan, but because I was tired of feeling like a background character in my own life.

Why Most People Stay Average

If you’ve been feeling stuck, it’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated. It’s because the world is designed to keep you comfortable and distracted. Here’s why most people stay average and how you can break free.

1. They Avoid Discomfort

Growth isn’t supposed to feel easy. It’s uncomfortable. It challenges you. Most people avoid discomfort because it feels like failure. But the truth is, discomfort is a sign you’re on the edge of something new.

Action Step: Do one thing today that makes you uncomfortable. Whether it’s speaking up, trying something new, or starting that project you’ve been putting off, lean into it.

2. They Fear Failure More Than Regret

People are so afraid of failing that they’d rather not try at all. But here’s the thing: failure lasts a moment, regret lasts a lifetime.

Action Step: Think of something you’ve been scared to try because you’re afraid of failing. Now flip the question: “What will I regret more—failing or never knowing what could’ve happened?”

3. They Wait for Motivation

Motivation isn’t what gets things done. Action does. Waiting to “feel ready” is just another form of procrastination. Successful people don’t rely on motivation. They rely on discipline.

Action Step: Set a 10-minute timer and start something you’ve been avoiding. Just 10 minutes. Once you start, you’ll realize you didn’t need motivation—you just needed to begin.

4. They Surround Themselves with Average

You become like the people you spend the most time with. If your circle is full of people who settle, complain, and stay stuck, you’ll do the same.

Action Step: Take a look at your circle. Are these people pushing you to grow or pulling you back? Spend more time with people who inspire you, even if it’s through books, podcasts, or online communities.

5. They Don’t Have a Clear Vision

If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up anywhere. Most people drift through life without a clear vision, hoping things will magically work out. But clarity comes from creating a vision and working towards it every day.

Action Step: Write down one big goal. Break it into smaller steps and commit to doing one small thing every day to move closer to it.

TAKEAWAYS

• Comfort feels safe, but it’s the biggest trap.

• Failure is part of growth. Regret is what you should fear.

• You don’t need motivation, you need momentum.

• The people around you shape who you become.

• Without a clear vision, you’ll stay stuck.

P.S. Learn how we create our content here: Elevenstoic.co

Your Better Self

Richard, Founder of ElevenStoic & Lussiety