June 24th, 2023: Greetings from Austin! I am re-posting an essay I shared on my blog this week (do people still read websites?!). A lot of people seemed to like this one so I wanted to share it here. #1 The Way of Mediocre Man Mediocre man flows through life. It is his birthright. He is not great man aiming at great results but merely trying to do enough of the right things over a long period of time such that it might lead somewhere interesting.
I loved this, especially after being wrong-footed by the title into thinking it would be scathing about 'Mediocre Man'. Actually I've read enough of Paul's work to doubt that statement, but this piece really caught me off-guard even with that knowledge. It's an example of what it's about: finding the sweet spot, 'by liking what you do, you will inevitably form a positive relationship with your work and want to do more of it.'
Such an incredible piece. This passage really stood out to me.
"I once thought that life was a series of incremental sacrifices. Play by the rules, and everything will be okay. But this is not true and it certainly wasn’t for me. Building my life around a path that required extreme effort was risky. Because it enabled me to hide behind the veneer of a successful career. By staying on a path that required increasing levels of effort to maintain, I lost track of what I cared about and was chipping away at a fundamental enthusiasm for life."
“A little bit of effort into something you like doing can have shockingly good results over a long period of time. It took me 14 months to write my book, and the entire process felt leisurely, light, and enjoyable. When I finished, I was shocked by the quality of my creation.”
This is inspiring, it makes larger creative projects seem less daunting when you do them at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
So glad you shared this here too, cos no, I doubt I'd have seen it on the website! Just started reading your book finally (I wasn't in a reading headspace for a good while) and you just sing what I'm feeling.
I have a question that I probably need to articulate a few times before I get it right, but here's my first attempt: writing articles like this that might seem 'edgy' to the corporate types who you might want to work with as a consultant is something I still worry about doing ... I really want to know how you handle any objections or negative judgements you get from potential clients when they see some of your your content (including the book)? I assume that at best, you just helpfully filter out people you don't want to work with anyway, but is there more to it practically?
I felt ok to ask the above after reading the passage in the Pathless Path about people not seeing (close enough) examples of non-default paths, and this obstacle is one of my few outstanding questions.
1. I do separate my brands - StrategyU and Boundless
2. many people do find both - and the ones that still reach out are cool with it - so better clients anyway!
3. I decided a while ago writing is my thing - It's taken many years to build up that confidence of what i really think and share it - but ive never regretted this (my curiosity is pretty tame too, i dont wade into hot issues)
I've read your book and really connect with your writing. I've always thought I was successful. Not until I found you did I realize I was mediocre all along. Truly appreciate the insight!
I loved this, especially after being wrong-footed by the title into thinking it would be scathing about 'Mediocre Man'. Actually I've read enough of Paul's work to doubt that statement, but this piece really caught me off-guard even with that knowledge. It's an example of what it's about: finding the sweet spot, 'by liking what you do, you will inevitably form a positive relationship with your work and want to do more of it.'
'Veneer of a successful career'. Your writing is delightful as it is eye-opening, Paul. A great read as always!
Mediocre Man - this is going to catch on! Wonderful essay!
Such an incredible piece. This passage really stood out to me.
"I once thought that life was a series of incremental sacrifices. Play by the rules, and everything will be okay. But this is not true and it certainly wasn’t for me. Building my life around a path that required extreme effort was risky. Because it enabled me to hide behind the veneer of a successful career. By staying on a path that required increasing levels of effort to maintain, I lost track of what I cared about and was chipping away at a fundamental enthusiasm for life."
Thanks for your reframe. Really love your work.
“A little bit of effort into something you like doing can have shockingly good results over a long period of time. It took me 14 months to write my book, and the entire process felt leisurely, light, and enjoyable. When I finished, I was shocked by the quality of my creation.”
This is inspiring, it makes larger creative projects seem less daunting when you do them at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
So glad you shared this here too, cos no, I doubt I'd have seen it on the website! Just started reading your book finally (I wasn't in a reading headspace for a good while) and you just sing what I'm feeling.
I have a question that I probably need to articulate a few times before I get it right, but here's my first attempt: writing articles like this that might seem 'edgy' to the corporate types who you might want to work with as a consultant is something I still worry about doing ... I really want to know how you handle any objections or negative judgements you get from potential clients when they see some of your your content (including the book)? I assume that at best, you just helpfully filter out people you don't want to work with anyway, but is there more to it practically?
I felt ok to ask the above after reading the passage in the Pathless Path about people not seeing (close enough) examples of non-default paths, and this obstacle is one of my few outstanding questions.
Yeah good Q!
1. I do separate my brands - StrategyU and Boundless
2. many people do find both - and the ones that still reach out are cool with it - so better clients anyway!
3. I decided a while ago writing is my thing - It's taken many years to build up that confidence of what i really think and share it - but ive never regretted this (my curiosity is pretty tame too, i dont wade into hot issues)
The last point is what I'm still calibrating within my context, needs more practice!
Have you got any stories to share (or have shared) about clients who appreciate your boundless brand and writing?
Nothing crazy. But just some people saying they bought my book. Some also secretly sharing plans to quit haha
“...steady mediocre work that involves rest, contemplation, and ease.”
I want that.
Thanks for articulating what I struggled to understand in myself. Great piece.
From Martha Postlewaite, "Clearing."
“Do not try to save
the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create
a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there
patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself
to this world
so worthy of rescue.”
wow I love this, thanks for sharing!
I've read your book and really connect with your writing. I've always thought I was successful. Not until I found you did I realize I was mediocre all along. Truly appreciate the insight!
Never thought I would want to be mediocre, but then I read this... Great post!
Welcome to the club