We all want to be different. We all want to be that “above average” person. Nobody wants to only get C’s on a school report card, and nobody wants to come third in a race. It’s like saying that we are good, but not good enough. So we study harder or train longer to make sure that we weren’t placed in the “average” category.

This is an ongoing struggle that happens at every stage in our lives. In the work world, social life, or within ourselves. We will find ourselves comparing ourselves to the man sitting next to us or the one living clear on the other side of the world who we stalk on social media to see how much better they are than us.

Stop wasting precious time! They say that the grass is always greener on the other side and in case you haven’t realised it, the man on the other side of the fence is likely saying the same thing about your grass. So why not just stay on your side and water YOUR own grass? Take a moment to reflect on your life and really be honest with yourself. If you feel as if your grass isn’t green enough, water it some more! But make sure it’s on your terms and not compared to someone else’s standard of success. Make a plan of action to improve things about your life that you don’t seem to favour. Here are a few things that might help you take that step in the right direction:

1. Read!

I wake up most days between the hours of 5:00 and 6:00 am, which gives me a full hour before I have to get up to make breakfast, shower and get out of the house to start my commute to work. I call it my “feed my brain session”. Don’t just wake up and read a romance novel (that doesn’t count). Read wisely. Read news reports (there’s an app for that). Read articles on specific topics. Take control of what you expose yourself to and for how long. Reading allows you to learn things about the world that you would, in all likelihood, never gain from just following your daily routine. This gives you the edge on that quest to improve on your personal development. Studies have shown that successful people are awake before the average person, which gives them access to the news and the stock market results first. Go figure. Sadly, the world doesn’t read half as much as it should but you can play your part and start with yourself.

2. Change your social circle

Ever sat among a group of your friends and realised that the topics were just being recycled over a period of time? Having the same dead-end conversations? This is when you need to change the amount of time spent with that certain social circle. I would never tell you to give up on your long-time, loyal bredrin dem, but be wise with the amount of time spent with people who are not going in the same general direction as you. Instead, start spending time with people who are of like mind or preferably those who are more advanced in life than you so that you can take notes. When you are training to be a better athlete, you wouldn’t train with people who are slower or weaker than you. That would be pointless, right?

3.Try new things

Have you ever eaten sushi while taking a ride in a hot air balloon and watching the sunset? Neither have I. Admittedly, that’s a very random string of events, but I’m sure you get my point.  Don’t limit yourself to your daily routine or your limited resources. Anything in life is possible and we should live on that page as if it’s the last page in the book. Don’t be afraid to step right out of your comfort zone, with head upright and shoulders back. Dare to adjust your telescope; reach for what you’ve always wanted, deep down inside, to try one day. Let that day be today! Take that hike you’ve been planning. Try that new food that has everyone’s tastes buds going wild. Join that yoga class that has been at the back of your mind (even if you don’t know the first thing about the “Downward Facing Dog” pose).

The average person wakes up and does the same thing day in, day out and sets it to repeat every seven days, hitting snooze every chance they get because they really don’t like the miserable routine to which they have enslaved themselves. You’re not that person.

The more you expose yourself to new experiences, the more educated, aware and smarter you become, taking you further into that above average zone. Plus, who says that you have to stop at being just a cut above the rest? Aim higher, be bolder, but always remember to be you.

Be balanced!

Christina is a writer and photographer who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology. She believes the simple truths and nuances of life stare us right in the face but we just need someone to help us see them. Her intent is to bring that insight in your life and create balance. Tell her what you think in the comments below.