The Half-Way Point Conference: The Essentials of an Above-Average Life

The average person is always looking for excuses. But the above-average person is always looking for opportunities– Napoleon Hill

Living an above-average life is within everyone’s reach; it comes down to what you adopt in your daily routine. While there are many things you can do to contribute to an above-average life, I have distilled three simple things you can do daily to guarantee an above-average life. 

Living an above-average life is within everyone’s reach

Serve

A man was traveling and he became thirsty. As he continued walking,  he came across a shack where he found a well connected to a pump for drawing water. Next to the pump was a note and a cup of water. “Use the water in the cup to prime the pump. After you get the water you need, fill up the cup for the next person who comes by.” Weary and thirsty the man looked at the cup of water and was tempted to drink it and be on his way. Then he thought about the person who came before him and left this note. After serious thought, he used the water in the cup to prime the pump and water came gushing out. After quenching his thirst, he replenished the water in the cup. Before leaving he added to the note, “Trust me, it works!”

By trusting the person before him, he equipped himself for his journey and became a servant to the next person who would come by. Similar to the effect of water on thirst, service can quench the thirst that many carry in their hearts. When we serve, we fuse our lives regardless of race, culture, religion, or level of influence. We can all meet and connect at the common ground of service. This fusion or interconnectedness through service adds value to life.

When we serve, we fuse our lives regardless of race, culture, religion, or level of influence.

Excel

Excellence is the quality of being outstanding. It is often used to describe work, but it can also be used to describe people, places, or things. Excellence is often associated with high standards, hard work, and dedication.

There are many different ways to achieve excellence. Some people are naturally gifted in certain areas, while others must work hard to develop their skills. However, there are some key habits that all excellent people share. These include:

1. Focus: Excellent people can focus on their goals and objectives. They don’t get sidetracked by distractions or setbacks.
2. Passion: Excellent people are passionate about their work. They love what they do and it shows in their results.
3. Hard work: Excellent people are willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals. They don’t expect success to come easy.
4. Dedication: Excellent people are dedicated to their work. They are willing to make sacrifices and put in the extra effort to get the job done.

Excellence is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, and dedication. However, it is a worthy goal that can bring great rewards.

Here are some additional tips for achieving excellence:

1. Set high standards. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Aim for the best that you can do.
2. Be persistent. Don’t give up on your goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.
3. Be open to feedback. Be willing to listen to what others have to say about your work. Use their feedback to improve your performance.
4. Celebrate your successes. When you achieve a goal, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.

Excellence is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Author James Clear points out that, “the only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over. You have to fall in love with boredom.”

When you strive for excellence, you not only improve your own life, but you also make a positive contribution to the world around you.

3. Appreciate

Appreciating others is a simple way to make the world a better place and live above average. When you take the time to show your appreciation, you are not only making the other person feel good, but you are also strengthening your relationships and making the world a more positive place. Here are simple ways to be appreciative and raise your relational equity with others:

1. Say thank you. This is the most basic way to show appreciation. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a simple “thank you” can go a long way.

Be specific. Don’t just say “thank you” for everything. Take the time to tell the person what you appreciate about them or what they did for you.

2. Be a good listener. When someone is talking to you, really listen to what they have to say. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk.

3. Be supportive. When someone is going through a tough time, be there for them. Offer your support and let them know that you care.

Final Thought: Through service, excellence, and appreciation you can guarantee that your life will not be sedimented with mediocrity, but stirred with the motivation to become above-average. Your relational equity will soar because people are attracted to someone who serves, excels, and shows appreciation. 

Keep on keeping on.