There’s something to be said for being extraordinary, but have you ever considered the perks of being just plain average?

The world seems to be obsessed with exceptionalism, but being average isn’t all bad. In fact, it can be a blessing in disguise.

Being average allows you to blend in, to understand and relate to the majority of people and to live a balanced life.

Here are eight reasons why being average can be surprisingly rewarding. Let’s explore this often overlooked perspective together.

1) Being relatable

Let’s face it, most people fall within the ‘average’ spectrum in one way or another.

And being in the middle of the bell curve has its advantages. One of the biggest being relatability.

When you’re average, you have the capacity to connect with a broad range of people. You understand their experiences, their challenges, and their joys because you’ve likely faced similar situations yourself.

This shared understanding allows you to build meaningful, genuine connections with people around you.

So don’t underestimate the power of being average. It might just make you the most relatable person in the room.

2) Less pressure

In my own life, I’ve found that being average comes with a refreshing lack of pressure.

When you’re always striving to be the best, to stand out and shine brighter than everyone else, it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. You’re constantly under scrutiny and the fear of failure can be overwhelming.

However, as an ‘average Joe’, I’ve found that I’m free from these exhausting expectations. No one is constantly watching or judging my performance. This allows me to take risks, try new things, and fail without feeling like the world is ending.

Being average has given me the freedom to live my life on my own terms, without the constant pressure to impress or outperform others. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

3) More balanced life

Did you know that the Danish, often rated as some of the happiest people in the world, have a word ‘hygge’ which roughly translates to ‘average’ in English?

In Denmark, ‘hygge’ is considered a fundamental part of leading a fulfilling life. It’s all about appreciating the simple things, finding comfort in the ordinary and cherishing unremarkable moments.

In this philosophy, being average isn’t looked down upon but instead celebrated. It promotes a balanced, contented lifestyle that focuses on personal fulfillment rather than comparison or competition.

Maybe it’s time we all embrace a little more ‘hygge’ in our lives.

4) Room for growth

Being average doesn’t mean that you’re stuck or without potential. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

When you’re average, you have a wealth of opportunities to learn, grow and improve. You have the chance to explore different avenues, hone your skills and discover new interests.

There’s no plateau to reach, no limit to the heights you can scale. Every day is an opportunity to become a little better than you were yesterday.

And honestly, isn’t that what life’s all about? The journey, not the destination.

5) Embracing authenticity

Being average is a celebration of your authentic self. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and acknowledging that you are enough, just as you are.

In a world that often pushes us to become something we’re not, to fit into narrow ideals of success and perfection, being average can be a radical act of self-love and acceptance.

It’s a reminder that you don’t have to be extraordinary to be valuable. Your worth does not lie in outshining others, but in the unique qualities and experiences that make you who you are.

So here’s to being average, and to embracing the beautiful authenticity it represents.

6) Freedom to explore

When I was younger, I was an average student. Not the top of the class, not the bottom, just comfortably in the middle. At the time, I often felt like I wasn’t enough, that I should be achieving more.

However, over time, I realized that being an average student gave me a unique freedom. I wasn’t tied down by the pressure of maintaining top grades or the struggle to catch up. This allowed me to explore different interests and hobbies outside of academics.

I tried everything from painting to playing guitar to learning a new language. These experiences enriched my life in ways that striving for perfection in school never could.

Looking back, I see that being average allowed me to live a diverse and fulfilling life. It gave me the freedom to explore and discover who I truly am. And for that, I’m grateful.

7) Building resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. But when you’re average, you’re often better equipped to handle the rollercoaster ride.

Being average means you’ve experienced failure and disappointment, but also success and joy. You’ve had to learn how to bounce back from setbacks, to keep going when times are tough.

This builds resilience, a quality that’s far more valuable than any achievement or accolade. Resilience is what helps us navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage.

So while being average might not seem glamorous, it’s often those very experiences that make us stronger and more resilient in the long run.

8) The joy of simplicity

Being average allows us to discover the profound joy that comes from simplicity. It’s about finding happiness in ordinary moments, cherishing the simple pleasures of life, and realizing that contentment often lies in the most unassuming places.

This joy of simplicity is something that can often be overlooked in a world that constantly pushes for more – more success, more achievements, more possessions. But when we strip all that away and embrace our average selves, we often find that the simplest things bring us the most happiness.

And at the end of the day, isn’t happiness what we’re all striving for? So perhaps being average isn’t just okay, it’s actually a blessing.

Embracing the average

The beauty of being human lies in our diversity, our unique blend of strengths, weaknesses, passions and quirks. And being average is a part of this beautiful tapestry.

Remember, being average doesn’t mean you’re not extraordinary in your own right. It’s about embracing your authentic self and finding contentment in the simplicity of everyday life.

It’s about realizing that you don’t need to be the best to be valuable. You don’t need to outshine others to be seen. You are enough, just as you are.

As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Maybe it’s time we all start embracing our average selves a little more. After all, being average might just be the most extraordinary thing you can be.