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An Escaping Mediocrity Self-Test

So I started thinking over the weekend about how we know we are on the path to Escaping Mediocrity. As I’ve said many times, it is easy and even sexy to say “Hell yeah – I’m all about escaping mediocrity!”. It’s quite another to put your shoulder to it and actually start making it happen.

So, I started making a checklist of questions to ask myself. Then I thought it would be a cool self-test. THEN I thought, I wonder what other questions The Tribe would add to make this a kickass self-test?

So here’s what I am going to do: I will list a nine of the questions I came up with. In the comments you can a) give me feedback on them b) answer them or c) add questions of your own. ( I REALLY hope you go for “c”!)

So here we go:

Questions To Help You Decide If You Are REALLY Up For the Escaping Mediocrity Adventure: taking%20test An Escaping Mediocrity Self Test

#1 – Am I willing to have “beginner’s mind” and not have all (or act like I have) all the answers?

#2 – Am I willing to say what I really think and feel even if it will pi** off some people?

#3 – Am I willing to have my own opinions about how to set up and run my business?

#4 – Am I willing to step away from so-called gurus and trust my own instincts?

#5 – Am I willing to take responsibility for charting my own course to success instead of blindly following others?

#6 – Am I willing to consider that there is more than one, two or even three ways to get where I want to go?

#7 – Am I willing to seek wise counsel from those I admire, respect and trust?

#8 – Am I willing to stay the course during some REALLY tough times?

#9 – Am I willing to drop the mask and be vulnerable in my business and my life?

This list is certainly not complete because it doesn’t include any of the questions you would ask. So hop on into the comments cuz you know I can’t wait to see what you will add. :-)

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 12:18 pm and is filed under Uncommon Business, Uncommon Living. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Question to add: Am I willing to reject advice I asked from those I trust and admire, because it doesn't resonate with me?
  • Please fix the typo in the middle of #2 to read: "I really think and feel." Thanks. I'm really glad you recommended naps because they have been a guilty pleasure for way too long and I don't need more guilt. I realized reading this I don't very often have a "beginner's mind" because I've studied so much of these kinds of things for 44 years and think I know everything I need to until -- miraculously -- finding something even better (and never quit at least scanning for unknown treasure in such as this blog, hearing about it from a new like-minded friend). An area I have issues with which you don't mention is procrastination. The rest of your test all feels fine.
  • Am I willing and able to be 100% honest with myself?
  • Kristie Schwanebeck
    Am I will to look at my failures and opportunities for growth? Am I willing to stop the self-deprecation over my failures and instead assess where I want went wrong? Am I willing to be gentle with myself in honoring my emotions and feelings over my failure while at the same time being firm with using that opportunity as a spring board to move forward? Am I willing to reassess my plans based on what I learned from the mistakes and move forward with new, revised and revamped courses of action?

    Sorry if these overlap other posts.
  • Wow Sarah.

    After I read this, I had to go back and read through all of your posts since your return from the wilds. And I have a question: If you weren't married... and I wasn't married... and I was richer and smarter and taller and better looking... would you marry me? :) #IthinkIloveyou #DontTellMyWife

    XOJA
  • YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It sounds like you are reading my mind....I really like you, Maverick Mom!
  • alexisneely
    These are mine:

    Am I willing to have the hard conversations with people close to me even when it's really, really, really hard?
    Am I willing to ask the hard questions of myself and others?
    Am I willing to do what's right even when it's not what's easy?
    Am I willing to give up short term gratitude for long term reward?

    xo,
    Alexis
  • sarahrobinson
    I love #3. :-) Adding them ALL to the list!
  • Am I willing to feel shy and extend myself anyway? That's what could stop me. My shyness could get the better of me. But I doubt it will go that way... as I find myself feeling comfortable to extend myself here :) I love the post and everyone's comments here... and want to be willing to do all those things, too. Good list you're generating, Sarah!
  • Shelley
    Am I willing to admit that all these questions except for 6 and 7 freeze me?

    Am I willing to consistently expend my energy only in high priority areas?
  • sarahrobinson
    LOVE question #1 cuz it means digging out the truth. And #2 is one I seem to lose track of often. EXCELLENT additions!
  • laineyd7
    Fear is what stops me - fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of disappointing others (or pi**ing them off!) fear of not being liked.
    It's all just fear, at least for me.
    I'm working on fearlessness and trust, and loving this dialogue . . . .
  • sarahrobinson
    Yes - in my world it all comes down to fear. And in the end the fear that there is not enough of something. And it IS a great dialogue isn't it?!
  • melaniward
    I answered an emphatic no to #2 because pissing people off sucks but the rest I am on board with. I'd add - Am I willing to not let myself get away with anything but the absolute truth?

    Good questions Sarah!
  • sarahrobinson
    Yeah....pissing people off does suck. Maybe I can figure out a way not to do that. And your excllent question ROCKS!
  • juliepuentes
    Love this post and many others.
    Two questions come to mind for me.
    1. Am I willing to consistently and radically question my questions?
    2. Am I willing to keep my heart open and trust even the face of seemingly good evidence not to?
  • sarahrobinson
    Excellent additions Julie! Thank you!!!
  • AlexKaris
    Sarah! Incredibly insightful and dead accurate are those questions about willing to step out into the unknown with total faith knowing the path that is filled with inspired action is the one that always be most fulfilling. It never looks that way to start but in due time you will always find the rainbow is there, its just been hiding behind the clouds waiting for you to find it! Will definitely be using those questions personally and with clients as we close the chapter of 2009 and begin what will be an amazing 2010!!

    Your Leadership is always Inspiring....All my best.. Alex
  • sarahrobinson
    I know! The list has grown into something amazing hasn't it? I'm going to turn it into a pdf so people can download it. And yes! 2010 is going to be AMAZING!!!
  • Ava Diamond (@feistywoman)
    Wow! This is an amazing list. Yet another testament to the power of the Tribe!

    John Haydon, you're my new hero. Maybe it's the New Yorker in me (even though I live in Colorado now), but "Action is the biggest middle finger to doubt" is the coolest thing I've read in a while.

    It's kind of what Mollie Marti said, but with ATTITUDE!
  • sarahrobinson
    Yes Ava - @johnhaydon ROCKS (but don't tell him I said that. He'll get a fat ego!)
  • Love the self-test. I'm actually using #1, and #4 to #9 in my personal life right now. I think vulnerability is a big one. It creates intimacy on so many levels when you can be open with another human being. I'm talking about sexual intimacy here. I'm talking about mental, emotional and spiritual intimacy. To escape mediocrity, one has to practice being vulnerable.

    That's what the marketplace is demanding right now - "gurus" that show their vulnerability. Consumers are starting to read through the "success facade". In other words, they're repulsed by the "I'm making millions, I have a big home and everything is great," mask and are starting to gravitate towards those who are keeping it real eg. "The economy stinks, my business is taking a hit, but I'm going to survive this."

    Being vulnerable opens so many doors. So many. I'm glad you asked that question in your self-test.
  • sarahrobinson
    Leesa my dear, your comment has me all hot and bothered for a NUMBER of reasons! Whew! Sexy stuff my friend!!
  • I'm glad you're all hot and bothered ;) As I re-read my response, the 5th sentence in the 1st paragraph should say "I'm NOT talking about sexual intimacy here." Wow, how a meaning can change with one missing word.
  • Sarah,

    A great list is forming here. I haven't read them all, but whenever I try to reset and "Escape Mediocrity" I do three things:

    1) I go watch a few episodes of "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsey. I am not a huge fan of "Hell's Kitchen", but KN has inspired me so many times to stop accepting crappy things and situations in my business. Gordon's message of a) make it simpler and b) really get back to what you are passionate about resonates with me deeply.

    2) I Quit. That is, I find several things to STOP doing that are holding me back.

    So stated in your format:

    Am I willing to QUIT doing the things that are keeping me from escaping mediocrity.
  • sarahrobinson
    Ah Tobin.....your comment has me thinking about today's (Wednesday's) post that I am about to start writing. Stay tuned!
  • Ahhh Sarah.... Looking forward to today's post then!

    I would be interested to see if you have ever watched Kitchen Nightmares on BBCA. Every time I see the show it is a new lesson in:

    a) drop the BS you tell yourself about how great you are
    b) Find the ONE true thing that you do extremely well
    and
    c) then draw the line in the sand: "this is what I will DEMAND excellenc in, I will always do THIS remarkably well.

    This is such basic stuff when you write it or say it...but then why isn't everyone doing this?

    Why are there still iPhone App developers faking reviews?

    Thanks again for some good inspiration!
  • my questions for myself:

    (1) Am I willing to be uncomfortable every single day?

    (2) Am I willing to be 100% myself 100% of the time?

    #thatisall
  • sarahrobinson
    YES! #thatisall
  • Number 4 and number 8 are most important... accept qualified guidance from those you trust, but at All Times, keep your own counsel, call your own shots; in each and every thing. And, "understand" perseverance - it is not innate, it is a learned skill and discipline; no matter what happens, good day, bad day, turn the computer on and prioritize task, by task - and get it done.

    Another most important issue I will add... and many people providing professional services overlook this far too often: Never "sell" - a problem exists, you need to learn what the problem(s) is - Listen to your clients and prospects... Listen... (get it?) and ask brief questions - then Listen some more; After a strong interactive dialog has evolved, evaluate and propose well formulated, clear, concise solutions on how you can help them.
  • sarahrobinson
    Ah yes = "Am I willing to ask questions, shut up and REALLY listen to the answers?" and "Am I willing to deliver meaningful solutions rather than tell others what the solution "should" be?" EXCELLENT!!
  • I've missed you, Sarah. I love your self-test questions. And I love what you are doing for your Tribe. If it pleases you, I'd like to suggest several additions to your checklist:

    Am I willing to let it all go? Can I stand above the clouds (and crowds) knowing ours is a world of "we," and not a world of "me?"

    Am I willing to forego solace? Awareness does not quiet the soul; it is a disturber that awakens it.

    Am I willing to lose the battles if it means winning peace?

    Am I willing to transcend transactional leadership (hierarchical, autocratic, tit-for-tat), transformational leadership (others are important to the extent the organization moves forward), and claim my place as a servant leader?

    Am I willing to do what's right, irrespective of the consequences?

    Am I willing to do all I do in a spirit of Love?

    Again, thank you, Sarah, for a wonderful post. Hugs.
  • sarahrobinson
    As always Jack, your comments here are like the sun shining on my tiny garden making it grow. :-) I LOVE thse questions. :-)
  • joanraskiewicz
    How about: Am I willing to embrace who I really am in my personal life and my professional life? Even the 'dark side.'
  • sarahrobinson
    Oh Joan - I am all about The Dark Side! Awesome addition. :-)
  • Action is the biggest middle finger to doubt. Am I willing to take action when self doubt is holding me back?
  • sarahrobinson
    I can always count on you for a, ahem, colorful comment John. AND it's spot on. Action - any action - is better than the paralysis of self-doubt. And giving self-doubt the middle finger feels really good. :-)
  • I love this! What came up for me was:
    Am I willing to be ok with feeling completely stuck and fumbling around in the "darkness" and the "not-knowingness" of it all and trust that this is part of it -- that going through this will allow the "knowingness" to come.

    This makes such perfect sense to me because that's completely where I'm at - I hope it makes sense to someone else!
    Thanks for your post.

    Jen
  • This absolutely makes sense to me. It is the waiting that is hard for me! It is staying the course and being true to my purpose and power even when that power seems to be in neutral. So here's to knowingness and someday, to the results toward which I keep inching my way, even when all I want for Christmas are giant results!
  • sarahrobinson
    It TOTALLY make sense Jen! And yes being able to embrace a complete free-fall is critical for this journey. Thank you for adding it. :-)
  • This is seriously an excellent self-test.

    I would add:

    Am I willing to fail, learn and continue forward?

    Am I willing to constantly challenge myself and my preconceived notions?

    Am I open to my emotions but able to prevent them from clouding my pursuit of truth?

    Am I willing to focus on the direction I'm going instead of the point I'm at?

    Am I willing to be fully self-aware?
  • sarahrobinson
    Wow Nicky. These are seriously great additions. And you made me think of another one:

    Am I willing to take the risk of being fully self-expressed?
  • Sally G.
    How about: Am I willing to accept that Escaping Mediocrity is not an end unto itself, but an honourable first step towards Living Excellence, Always - with the understanding that I will terrify and repel many with my radical honesty along the way?
  • sarahrobinson
    Totally agree Sally. Escaping Mediocrity is a starting place. An awareness place to begin the journey. Once we get out of the muck and mire, excellence is the destination!
  • Am I willing try something that (to me) is a huge risk? Our perceptions of reality can be skewed when we are inside our reality bubble.
  • sarahrobinson
    Exactly Karl. Sometimes it's the risk itself, rather than the outcome, that can shift our perceptions in dramatic ways. Excellent!
  • nickytillyer
    Am I willing to search my soul to determine my true purpose, the one that makes my heart sing, and persue it?
  • sarahrobinson
    Ah yes. This list just keeps on getting better - thank you!
  • SR,
    It's the talk-the-talk vs walk-the-walk thing, right?

    ANYONE can talk a good game, and some way better than others. But walking the walking is a whole different ballgame. That's where you play big and put it all out there and potentially screw up big.

    That's where the magic happens.

    Love your questions -- esp about trusting yourself (over the so-called "gurus") and being vulnerable.

    Thank you for putting this out there, I love you!
    Alli
  • sarahrobinson
    Yeah I almost wrote - Am I willing to screw up and look foolish in front of God and everybody?! And I am learning to truk myself and be vulnerable because my BFFs are ALWAYS there to catch me. :-)
  • Am I willing to "Stay Focused" and avoid "Distraction" when the 'Next Big Thing' appears
  • sarahrobinson
    Oooooo Good one Sandi!!
  • Am I willing to take consistent ACTION, walking through the fear, stepping forward into the unknown while embracing that 'safety' not only is an illusion, but a concept that deadens our spirit?

    Redundant with #8...or something more?
  • sarahrobinson
    Oh I think it is way more than #8! It addresses the whole illusion of safety. An excellent addition my friend!!
  • I would add: "Am I willing to really listen to the answers provided when I ask for wise counsel?" I mention this because it is hard for me to do at times and yet, goes hand in hand with being willing to have a "beginner's mind".

    Nice work, Sarah. Thank you.

    ;)
  • sarahrobinson
    You are SO right Allen! So often I want the wise counsel to tell me what I want to hear and it is REALLY hard to keep listening when they don't. But if we are serious about this escaping mediocrity journey we have to be willing to take it all in. You rock!
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