Escape the 'CEO Trap': Unlocking the Joys of Being Average
In a world that encourages high expectations and constant improvement, it's easy to get caught up in the CEO trap. The pressure to succeed, outdo others, and achieve greatness can be overwhelming, leaving little room for simply being average. However, the pursuit of excellence can sometimes lead to burnout and unhappiness, whereas embracing an average life can actually lead to greater joy and contentment. In this post, we'll explore the benefits of escaping the CEO trap and embracing the joys of being average.
1. Acknowledge your limitations: The CEO trap puts immense pressure on individuals to achieve great things and make a name for themselves. But the reality is that not everyone can become the next Bill Gates, Elon Musk, or Oprah Winfrey. I absolutely agree that you should strive and dream to reach bigger things, however, acknowledging the limitations of your abilities, resources, and circumstances can help you avoid unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters to you. It also frees up mental energy to pursue hobbies, relationships, and passions that enrich your life instead of constantly chasing after external measures of success.
2. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life: Being average doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the simple pleasures in life. In fact, it's often the simple things that bring the most joy and satisfaction, such as spending time with loved ones, taking a leisurely walk in nature, savouring a delicious meal, or curling up with a good book. When you let go of the need to constantly achieve bigger and better things, you can fully appreciate the present moment and find happiness in everyday experiences.
3. Embrace your own definition of success: The CEO trap defines success in narrow and often unrealistic terms, such as fame, fortune, power, and status. However, success means different things to different people, and there's no one-size-fits-all formula for happiness and fulfilment. Embracing your own definition of success, whether it's pursuing personal growth, making a positive impact on your community, or simply living a peaceful and fulfilling life, can give you a sense of purpose and direction that's sustainable and meaningful.
4. Cultivate a grateful mindset: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the CEO trap, as it focuses on what you have rather than what you lack. Cultivating a grateful mindset can help you appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small or ordinary they may seem. It can also help you overcome negative emotions such as envy, self-doubt, and anxiety, which often accompany the pursuit of greatness. By practising gratitude daily, you can shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance and live a more fulfilling life.
5. Connect with others who share your values: Lastly, escaping the CEO trap is easier when you surround yourself with like-minded people who share your values and priorities. Joining a community of average people who value kindness, compassion, and authenticity can provide you with support, encouragement, and inspiration to live a life that's true to yourself. It can also help you find meaning and relevance in being ordinary, and serve as a reminder that you're not alone in your journey.
In conclusion, escaping the CEO trap doesn't mean settling for mediocrity or giving up on your dreams. Rather, it's about challenging the pervasive narrative that only exceptional people deserve happiness and fulfilment. It's about recognizing that happiness and fulfilment come in different forms and can be found in ordinary experiences, relationships, and values. By embracing the joys of being average and connecting with others who share your values, you can unlock a sense of authenticity, purpose, and contentment that transcends external measures of success. So, go ahead and escape the CEO trap. You might be surprised at how much joy and fulfilment you'll find in being average.
