Apprentice Achievements
Comfort in Mediocrity

Comfort in Mediocrity

Just like any other day I woke up at about 4.30am, but unlike other days I wanted to turn over and go back to sleep.

I’d felt drained the night before and I was still tired.

At the risk of being locked up for my own safety I must confess to having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. Mine are called Frank (F) and Very Frank (VF)

At this point you may think that Very Frank is my little devil, but you’d be mistaken. VF is my angel and while F was encouraging me to roll over – “It’s ok to miss one day, who’s going to know?” – VF gave me a kick and reminded me that only by fighting through the hard days can I improve.

In this case lose weight and get fit!

Needless to say, VF was more persuasive, I went out for my run, I feel better for it, and it got my musing juices flowing!

Is a state of average really where we want to be?

How often do we surround ourselves in mediocre and feel good about being the best in group?

Excellence will always mean different things to each of us, and our own version of excellence will differ throughout our lives, and let’s be clear, each of us will be happy in a state of average at various times, but to live complacently in average without an exit plan scares me.

I only have myself to blame for becoming unhealthy and I’m aware that the work to reverse this will be significantly more than the work required to achieve this but that’s ok particularly as I rely on my advisors F and VF to help me find balance.

Doing difficult stuff or things that stretch us beyond being comfortable takes effort, sometimes too much effort, but the rewards are worth far more than the discomfort we must endure, but I do still have days when two steps back feel preferable.

Not only do I hear F and VF’s continual chatter, but I also need to look at myself in the mirror and that motivates to get out there on days I’d rather not.

I’m pretty sure that I’m only extra weary because none of us are getting a break at the moment and I’m looking forward to getting away with C when this is possible but for now, I’ll settle for a kick up the rear from VF and the enjoyment of an early morning jaunt once I’m out there.

I hope you have a great week.

Cheers

Noel