October 21, 2013 -  Do you feel as though everyone around you is merely working or completing things at the bare minimum necessary? Do you feel as if they are focusing just on what will be sufficient for meeting versus exceeding expectations? If some of these individuals are working directly with you or for you, then you may be falling victim to accepting mediocrity. If you are not clearly defining expectations or are simply thinking that there is nothing that you can do, you are accepting mediocrity instead of overcoming it. If you are frustrated because you feel that the mediocrity you are experiencing is affecting your ability to achieve the level of success you desire, then it is time to take charge in ways that only you can.  Instead of viewing mediocrity as a problem, see it as the opportunity for improvement that it is either in how you approach it for yourself or and how you approach working with others.

Take an MM&I Moment to identify the areas where you believe mediocrity is impacting your ability to achieve. Then list specifically why this is holding you back or limiting your ability to move forward. In areas that are directly impacting you, list some steps you can take that will enable you to begin seeing progress again at the level and standards you desire. Is it through communicating better? Is it through putting specific policies or procedures into place? Is it through training? Is it through replacing or supplementing the skill-set needed? What you may also discover in reviewing your "whys" is that what you believe is limiting you is actually not hindering you at all.  And the best part of that realization is the enthusiasm you will gain by reinforcing what you have known all along - that you can and will succeed.

Synergized Quote of the Week

"There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." - Norman Vincent Peale

Savvy Secret Tip of the Week