🌊 You’re Not That Special and That’s Okay.

3 minutes

Over 90% of teachers think they’re better at teaching than their colleagues.

More than 90% of bankers believe they know finance better than their peers.

And hey, even 90% of people feel like they’re smarter, better-looking, and just generally more impressive than everyone else.

Okay… I totally made those numbers up. But come on—doesn’t it feel true?

Most of us think we’re better than average. I’m no exception. For a long time, I genuinely believed I was a better physiotherapist than many of my colleagues.

And to be fair, I get it. When you care deeply about your work, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’ve figured it out more than others have. You put in the effort, you stay curious, you keep learning—and then quietly assume others aren’t doing the same.

But here’s the catch: that mindset might make you feel good, but it also blocks your growth. It keeps you from asking real questions, shuts down deep listening, and convinces you that you already know the answers. And when that happens, you miss the chance to actually become better.

The truth? Most of us are average.

And that’s not a bad thing. Realizing you’re not as exceptional as you thought can be a relief. Because if you let go of the pressure to constantly prove you’re special, you open yourself up to real learning.

If you assume you’re below average, you’ll start paying attention. You’ll ask better questions. You’ll listen more. You’ll spot things you’d otherwise ignore. And ironically, that’s what can lead you to becoming truly great.

Harold Ramis put it simply:

Find the most talented person in the room, and if it’s not you, go stand next to him. Hang out with him. Try to be helpful.

And if you are the most talented person in the room?

You’re probably in the wrong room.

So yeah—being average (or even below average) might bruise the ego at first, but it’s actually a superpower if you know how to use it.
Because once you stop needing to prove you’re the best, you open the door to becoming better.


You’re not above average—and that’s your secret weapon.

The goal isn’t to prove how great you are. The goal is to get great. Here’s how to start shifting your mindset.

🎯 Try This:

The next time you feel the urge to prove you’re right or show how much you know—pause. Instead, ask yourself: What could I learn in this moment if I assumed I don’t know everything?

Pick someone in your circle who’s great at something—maybe even better than you—and lean in. Ask thoughtful questions. Offer to help. Observe. Learn.

And most importantly—listen. Even if you disagree, there’s value in understanding where others are coming from. Their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives can help you grow in unexpected ways.

🧠 Final Thought:

Being right rarely changes the world—but being curious just might. Stay humble, stay open, and let growth happen through connection, not competition.


Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊


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