In his book EntreLeadership, Dave Ramsey mentioned a phrase I hadn’t heard before: “normalize mediocrity.” As you might expect, he was saying that you should NOT normalize mediocrity.
Why would anyone want to normalize mediocrity? Mediocrity holds us all back from excellence. Mediocrity hinders improvement. Mediocrity makes life downright boring!
Just when I was contemplating this concept, I was slapped in the face by a perfect example.
Demias Jimerson, an 11 year-old football star from Malvern, Arkansas used to score a touchdown almost every time he touched the ball. I say “used to” because Demias can’t score at will anymore. It’s not because he is injured, or that other teams have discovered how to defend against him. It’s because he has been banned from scoring more than two touchdowns per game if his team is winning.
Why? “To provide his competitors with a chance to develop as players too.”
Could this same philosophy explain why some Little League baseball teams don’t even keep score anymore? Are we afraid someone’s feelings will get hurt?
There have been times in my life when getting beat was the best thing that could have happened for my development. Losing caused me to want to learn more, prepare more, and apply more… so I could win more!
Are there any areas in your life where you are accepting mediocrity? Have you ever lowered your standards or changed a goal just so you wouldn’t have to stretch?
I say raise your standards, bump up your goal… and never, NEVER allow mediocrity to be normalized!
So what is your opinion on the rule applied to this young athlete? Watch the embedded video clip and share your thoughts. I have a very strong opinion about this situation. You may disagree. Either way, this is one young man with his head and heart in the right place!
Exceptional has become taboo. I am NEVER into bullying or taunting, etc but I feel we, as a society, have replaced ambition with politically correctness. Is there a point where the “good of the many” does outweigh the “good of the one”? I think the answer is obviously YES! Possibly the best answer in this case is to arrange the talent level versus strickly the age groups. However, if the ultimate goal is to advance all participants skill level, let them particiate at the highest level. The overall talent level will improve! Isn’t that the reason we seek out more talented persons (mentors) to train less talented persons to advance their skills? Otherwise, mediocrity has already become normalized. There is MY opinion. As you said, You may disagree, I would still respect your opinion. Give it upl what do you really think about this? LOL