When I see someone who’s always striving to be the best, I wonder if they’re truly happy. If someone is constantly pushing for perfection, are they content?

Not always.

In reality, it’s often the folks who are okay with being average that find the most happiness. They’re not chasing some lofty goal or trying to be someone they’re not. They’re just living their lives, and they’re perfectly fine with that.

Sounds nice, right? Want to know their secret? Well, it all boils down to 8 daily habits.

In this article, I’ll share these habits with you. Not because I want you to strive for mediocrity, but because I want you to realize that sometimes, being average is more than enough.

After all, life isn’t a competition. It’s a journey to find our own version of happiness. And for many people, that happiness is found in the simple things – like these 8 habits of contented average folks. Let’s dive in.

1) Embracing the routine

Most people run from routine. They crave excitement, change, and unpredictability.

But those who are content with being average? They cherish routine.

They find comfort in the predictability of their daily lives, and they don’t feel the need to constantly chase after new experiences.

Routine doesn’t bore them, it grounds them. It gives them a sense of stability that they can always rely on, no matter how chaotic the world around them gets.

Whether it’s their morning cup of coffee, their evening walk, or their weekend movie night – they have their rituals and they stick to them.

The routine is not their enemy. It’s their friend.

And you know what? There’s something truly peaceful about that.

2) Not comparing themselves to others

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. I used to compare myself to others constantly, and it drove me nuts. I was never happy because there was always someone who seemed to have it better.

Then, I met my friend Jane. Jane is what you’d call ‘average’, but she’s one of the happiest people I know.

One day, I asked her how she does it, how she stays so content when there are people out there achieving so much more.

She simply shrugged and said, “Why should I compare myself to others? This is my life, not theirs. As long as I’m happy with what I have and where I am, why should it matter what anyone else is doing?”

That hit me hard.

From that day forward, I stopped comparing myself to others, and you know what? It was liberating. Just like Jane, I started to find contentment in my own life rather than constantly looking at what others had.

This is a habit that many ‘average’ people share – they do not compare themselves to others. They’re too busy enjoying their own lives to worry about what everyone else is doing. And that’s a lesson we could all stand to learn.

3) Living in the present

Did you know that our brains are wired to wander? A study from Harvard University found that people spend almost 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re currently doing.

But those who are content with being average have a knack for resisting this instinct. They don’t spend their days dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Instead, they focus on the here and now.

They’re present in every moment, whether they’re having lunch with a friend, reading a book, or just taking a walk in the park. They understand that life is happening right now, and they don’t want to miss it by being lost in their thoughts.

Living in the present allows them to fully enjoy their experiences and appreciate the beauty of life as it unfolds. And that’s something truly special.

4) Emphasizing self-care

People who are content with being average understand the value of taking care of themselves. They don’t push themselves to the point of exhaustion to get ahead or achieve more. Instead, they prioritize their health and well-being.

This means they make time for regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and take breaks when they need to. They understand that their mental health is just as important as their physical health and take steps to maintain it.

They also recognize the importance of hobbies and leisure activities in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or simply reading a good book, they make sure to set aside time for activities that bring them joy.

By taking care of themselves, they ensure that they have the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy their lives to the fullest. And isn’t that what life’s all about?

5) Valuing meaningful relationships

I’ve always been a people person, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that it’s not about the quantity of relationships, but the quality.

People who are content with being average understand this well. They don’t seek to have a large network of acquaintances. Instead, they value a small circle of close, meaningful relationships.

I’ve noticed that these individuals prioritize spending time with family and friends and make an effort to nurture these relationships. They understand the importance of having a supportive network around them and invest their time and energy into maintaining these bonds.

For them, and for me too, it’s about having people who genuinely care about them and accept them for who they are – average or not. This acceptance and support bring a sense of contentment that all the success in the world can’t match.

6) Saying no

In a world that glorifies being busy and overworked, saying “no” can seem like a luxury. But people who are content with being average have mastered this skill.

They understand that there are only so many hours in the day, and they can’t do everything. So, they prioritize and say no to things that don’t align with their values or don’t bring them joy.

This might mean turning down a promotion that would require longer hours, refusing an invitation to a social event they’re not interested in, or simply not jumping on the latest trend just because everyone else is doing it.

By saying “no”, they create space for the things they truly care about. It’s about quality over quantity, and it’s a powerful way to maintain their contentment.

7) Finding joy in the small things

People who are content with being average don’t need grand gestures or extravagant experiences to find happiness. They take pleasure in the simple, everyday things that often go unnoticed by others.

Whether it’s the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning, a beautiful sunset, or the sound of their favorite song on the radio, they find joy in these small moments and appreciate them fully.

They understand that life is made up of these tiny moments, and by savoring each one, they’re able to find contentment in their average lives. It’s a gentle reminder for all of us to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

8) Embracing who they are

At the heart of it all, people who are content with being average have a strong sense of self-acceptance. They understand their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and embrace who they are, without any desire to be someone else.

They don’t strive for perfection, nor do they feel the need to put on a show for others. They’re comfortable in their own skin and live authentically, without any pretense.

This acceptance gives them a sense of peace and contentment that many people spend their whole lives searching for. They know that being average doesn’t make them any less valuable or worthy – it just makes them human. And there’s something truly beautiful about that.

Embracing the beauty of the average

If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, it’s that being average isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be embraced.

People who are content with being average aren’t settling for less. They’re simply choosing to live their lives on their own terms, without the constant pressure to compete, impress, or stand out.

They find happiness in the simple things, value quality over quantity, and prioritize their well-being over societal expectations. They understand that life isn’t a race or a competition – it’s a journey meant to be enjoyed at its own pace.

So the next time you find yourself stressing about not being the best or the most successful, remember this: There’s beauty in being average. There’s joy in being content. And there’s a whole lot of peace in just being you.

And as the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” So maybe, just maybe, being content with being average is not just okay – it’s the direction we should all be aiming for.