How to Achieve Greatness By Being Mediocre Every Day
Build a “better than nothing” habit
In the last few years — and especially during the never-ending pandemic lockdowns — I’ve tried to form a whole host of new habits: running, baking, and even learning card tricks to dazzle my nieces.
Each of these pursuits started strong — until I gave up shortly thereafter.
I headed out on that first run, filled with expectancy, only to pull up with burning calves after 10 minutes. I put my banana bread mix in the oven, salivating at the thought of tasting it, only to be met with the smell of burning. I bought the card trick book and eagerly tried to fan the cards out in my hand, only to send them spinning across the room.
Honestly, I had lofty visions of being good at these things immediately. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. Who likes being bad at something? Unfortunately, I wasn’t good at any of them. I hated the feeling of failure, which immediately killed my “I’m going to become a better person with these habits” vibe. The habit was quickly swept under the carpet, and my mind switched to something else with the deluded optimism that I would be better at it. Before long, I was trapped in an endless habit-failing doom loop.
