Embracing Mediocrity: The Secret to Building Habits That Stick
Let’s talk about something no one likes to admit: starting anything new is hard, especially when you’re not naturally good at it. Whether it’s a fitness journey, learning a skill, or launching a business, the fear of being mediocre can stop you before you even begin.
But what if being okay with mediocrity is the secret to success? I’ve learned that embracing mediocrity can help you build habits that stick, push through the tough days, and keep you from quitting when the road gets rocky.
The Myth of Overnight Success
We live in a world that worships overnight success. We see viral stories of entrepreneurs who went from zero to millions, athletes who became champions, or influencers who skyrocketed to fame. What we don’t see is the years of effort, failure, and, yes, mediocrity, that got them there.
Take any successful entrepreneur. Did they have it all figured out on day one? Absolutely not. Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage, selling books online while competing with massive retailers. The site was clunky, the operation was small, and there were plenty of skeptics. But he kept going. It wasn’t glamorous, but persistence paid off.
The same principle applies to anyone starting something new. If you expect greatness right away, you’ll quit the moment things get tough. Embracing mediocrity allows you to focus on the process instead of obsessing over instant results.
The Value of Being Mediocre
When you embrace mediocrity, you shift the goal from "being the best" to simply showing up. This mindset helps you:
Stay Consistent
Starting a new business? Expect it to be messy at first. Your website might look amateur, your social media might get zero engagement, and your sales pitch might fall flat. But as long as you keep showing up and refining your approach, you’ll get better. Consistency is more valuable than perfection.Learn Through Failure
Failure is part of the game. When you’re okay with being mediocre, you’re less afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Every failed product launch, awkward sales call, or social media flop is a stepping stone to improvement.Develop Discipline
Mediocrity forces you to focus on habits, not outcomes. Instead of chasing results, you build a routine—whether it’s daily sales calls, writing, or training—that will carry you through when motivation runs low.
Lessons from Mediocrity in Entrepreneurship
The First Draft of Anything is Terrible
When I launched my first business, everything felt mediocre. My branding didn’t stand out, my marketing strategy was patchy, and my first pitch deck was a mess. But I learned to keep going. Every small improvement—learning to design better visuals, refining my messaging, and understanding my audience—built momentum.
The Power of the Garage Startup
Take Airbnb’s early days. Founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia couldn’t afford rent, so they decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment. They didn’t have a polished business model, just a scrappy idea. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. By staying consistent and improving incrementally, they turned that mediocre start into a billion-dollar business.
Social Media Flops are Part of the Process
Let’s say you’re starting to build your brand on Instagram. Your first posts might only get five likes, and your videos might feel awkward. That’s fine. The more you post, the more you learn what resonates with your audience. Over time, you’ll refine your voice, gain followers, and build a community.
The Crossover Between Mediocrity and Habits
Here’s the thing: mediocrity is the perfect training ground for building habits.
Start Small
Want to grow your business? Set micro-goals like reaching out to three potential clients a day. It might feel insignificant, but small efforts compound over time.Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Results
Instead of obsessing over how many sales you made this month, celebrate the fact that you’re showing up daily. Did you send emails, make calls, or refine your product? That’s progress.Track Consistency
Keep a journal of your efforts, whether it’s hours spent on your side hustle or reps in the gym. Seeing your consistency over time will motivate you to keep going, even when you feel mediocre.
Real-Life Example: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Business
When I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I was awful. I’d gas out within minutes and get submitted by almost everyone. It was humbling, to say the least. But I kept showing up, knowing that mastery wasn’t the goal—progress was. Slowly, I got better.
The same principle applied when I launched my consulting business. At first, I wasn’t landing high-paying clients. My pitches were shaky, and I felt like an imposter. But I stuck with it, learned from every mistake, and built momentum.
Why Mediocrity is a Superpower
Here’s the thing: mediocrity is temporary. Every expert was once a beginner, and every successful entrepreneur has a trail of mediocre first attempts behind them. The difference between them and the rest? They didn’t quit.
By embracing mediocrity, you unlock the power to:
Stay consistent even when things feel hard.
Build habits that create long-term success.
Avoid burnout by focusing on progress, not perfection.
So the next time you feel like you’re just “okay” at something, remember that mediocrity is the gateway to greatness. Keep showing up, and success will eventually follow.
What do you think? Have you experienced the power of embracing mediocrity in your life or business? Let me know—I’d love to hear your story.
