Yesterday, I had a session with a careers counselor. As part of my VSA package, I get some sessions with a counselor whether it be for psychological, personal or career. Although I’d no doubt get some benefit from some psychological counseling I thought that some life coaching to help me figure out what it is I want to do would be a good idea.
As we discussed the possibilities, explored my values and my fears, I was surprised to find myself saying that I was afraid of being mediocre. Upon reflection, this is a funny thing to say because it kind of contradicts with my fear of being different.
I woke up wondering if this strange dichotomy is common to kiwis or everyone in general. We want to be the same and yet we want to be different. We want to fit in and be accepted but we also want to stand out and be noticed.
A balance must be struck. I’m afraid of living a mediocre life and being a mediocre person but I don’t want to be so different that I alienate myself. It comes down to a matter of security, predictability and stability as opposed to change, growth, and excitement.
I guess it comes down to self-determination. If given the choice between the two, I’d pick different over mediocre. I guess I’ve already done that by going to Africa… but that path is uncertain and the safety and security of a well-paid job is certainly tempting. I have to keep reminding myself that I must not become complacent and stagnant. I have to keep growing somehow.
I know many people who have chosen the path of safety and stability and who are very happy about it. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what path you choose as long you are aware and that that you’re making the choice yourself rather than blindly following custom or what everyone else is doing. Maybe this is what they mean by mastery of our own lives?
