People think that being “average” at something is inherent.
You’re either born “great” or you’re born average. And worse, once you become average, then you can no longer improve. They believe it’s set in stone and there’s nothing they can do about it.
They are just, well, average.
Consider this…
The next time you walk into the office, and that little voice in your head says, “Oh yeah, I said I was going to spend my first 15 minutes organizing my calendar instead of browsing Facebook,” listen to that voice and do it.
And when you walk into your first meeting, and that little voice says, “Oh yeah, I said I wanted to become a better listener,” make it a point to listen to what others have to say before speaking up with your own opinions.
And when you get started on whatever big project you’re facing that day, and that little voice in your head says, “Oh yeah, I promised myself I would work on not being so distracted,” turn off all distractions and put yourself in a position to succeed.
When you leave the office and you think about what to have for dinner, and that little voice in your head says, “Well, I really want McDonald’s, but I said I was going to start eating healthier,” go to the grocery store and buy some chicken and vegetables to cook up instead.
And as you’re eating dinner, and that little voice in your head says, “I know I really should work on my startup idea,” instead of pouring yourself another glass of wine and turning on Netflix, make some tea and get to work.
And as you start to get ready for bed, and that little voice in your head says, “I said I wanted to get fit, but I couldn’t make it to the gym today,” then, even if you’re exhausted, listen to that voice and do four sets of pushups in the middle of your apartment.
When you hop in the shower, and that little voice in your head says, “I really should scrub behind my ears; I never scrub behind my ears,” listen to that voice and just scrub behind your ears, jeez.
As you fall into bed and reflect back on your day, you will see that “greatness” is not a destination.
It is not a title.
It is not some mountain peak you climb and then one day “attain.”
Greatness is a series of daily habits.
It is a choice.
Which means if you want to stop being average, all you have to do is choose, in each and every moment, to listen to that little voice inside of you reminding you to be great.
This article originally appeared on Inc Magazine.
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Originally published at medium.com