Being OK With Being "Just OK"

Have you ever felt like you’re just OK at many different things but not very good at any one particular thing? You are not alone. In this day and age, it seems that so many people have that one special talent at which they’re incredible and continue to amaze people with. Whether it be soccer, playing piano, school, drawing, dancing, or any other specialty, there is always going to be someone around you who is great at it. But what if you’re only average at all of those things?

Do not fear, there are plenty of us in the world.

Being “just-okay” at everything isn’t something to be ashamed of, it simply means you are a diverse individual. Think of someone you know who is great at sports. More than likely, they are also not stellar at art, or acting or music. Now think of someone who is spectacular with computers. Typically, they are not the ones scoring all the goals in a football game. That isn’t to say that they can’t be good at both, but it’s not the norm.

If you’re like me and aren’t good at any one thing in particular, it probably means that you have a lot of talents! I, for example play ukulele and sing, but I don’t have a voice made for American Idol. I am also an artist, but I’m no Pablo Picasso. I am however, always willing to try new things to see if I’m good at them. Going into new things, people like us also have no expectations for how we’ll be at them. Someone wants me to try yoga? Cool! I’m not flexible but it doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy it. Someone else wants me to try singing karaoke? Sure, it won’t be amazing, but it’s an experience that not everyone gets to have.

Many times it can feel like you try so hard at something and still come out as average, but that’s not true. It is human nature to be tough on ourselves and see ourselves as sub-par but that is not how others will see you. Imagine all of your friends are around you. I bet that you can name one way they’re extremely talented, or why they’re special. If you can do it for them, they can do it for you and it means that you are special too! In this age of technology and social media being so prevalent, it is so easy to be scrolling through Facebook and see another video of an eight-year-old violin prodigy, or a highlights reel of the best baseball player to ever walk the earth and feel discouraged, but they’re not you.

It can be tough, feeling like you’re not enough but trust me, you are. There is only one of you in this world, and no one can replace you or take that away. No matter how bad you feel about yourself, or your talents and abilities, be aware that you are special and unique, and amazing just like everyone around you.