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Hint: You have to do what the average person won’t.

Most people want to be “above average.” It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Better than middle grades. Faster than the herd. A little smarter, healthier, wealthier, and maybe even more likable.

But here’s the rub—very few people are actually willing to do what it takes. Why? Because standing out requires doing things the average person often skips. Not because they’re incapable, but because they’re distracted, tired, or content with just getting by.

The truth is… average is crowded. It’s busy hitting snooze, running late, winging it, avoiding hard conversations, scrolling aimlessly, and skipping the gym. If you want to rise above that—without burning out or becoming an unbearable overachiever—you’ll need to zig where most zag.

Here’s what above-average people consistently do to set themselves apart.

1. They keep time like it’s money

The average person is often reactionary with time. They let their schedule happen to them. The above-average person? They schedule proactively, guard their calendar, and say “no” more often than they say “yes.”

They don’t just have time—they make time. For the gym. For a lunch break. For reading. For family. And—get this—they even build in buffers, because they know life rarely runs on perfect timing.

Remember: Time is the only currency you can’t earn back. Treat it accordingly.

2. They don’t skip sleep, cut corners, or avoid hard things

Want to know one of the easiest ways to be better than average? Sleep eight hours. Seriously. Chronic sleep deprivation is practically a badge of honor in modern culture—but it shouldn’t be. The above-average crowd protects their sleep like their lives depend on it (because they kinda do).

And when it comes to the hard stuff—finishing the workout, having the tough conversation, following through on that promise—they lean in. Because above-average people understand that doing hard things builds strong muscles, in both body and character.

3. They learn like students, even when no one’s grading

A lot of people stop learning when the diploma hits their hands. Not the above-average ones.

They read. They ask questions. They listen more than they talk. They treat podcasts like college lectures and libraries like treasure chests. And when they fail? They don’t cover it up—they mine it for insight.

If you’re not learning, you’re coasting. And guess what? Coasting is a nice way of saying you’re slowly going downhill.

4. They are emotionally fluent, not emotionally fragile

Average people struggle with their feelings and either bottle them up or spill them everywhere. Above-average people? They learn the art of emotional intelligence.

That means knowing when to speak up and when to hold back. It means recognizing when you’re projecting instead of processing. It means being self-aware enough to take feedback—and emotionally agile enough to grow from it.

In short, emotional fluency helps you win at work and relationships. Which is kind of a big deal.

5. They’re selfish with their health

Here’s a spicy take: If you don’t prioritize your own health, you’ll eventually become a burden to someone else. That’s why above-average people protect their bodies and brains with the same urgency they apply to their jobs.

They move daily, eat real food, stay hydrated, and rest when they need it. Not because they’re fitness fanatics, but because they know health is a multiplier. When your body feels good, everything else is easier—creativity, patience, focus, energy.

6. They lead with compassion, not comparison

Let’s be honest—comparison is the default human setting. We look sideways to measure our own worth. But above-average people train themselves to look with empathy, not envy.

Instead of judging others or competing in every conversation, they lift people up. They listen to understand, not just to respond. And they choose generosity over gossip.

Here’s the secret: Kindness is wildly underrated as a competitive advantage. People remember how you make them feel far longer than what you accomplish.

Final thought: Be the exception

You don’t need to be superhuman. You don’t need a six-figure job or a six-pack. You don’t even need a morning routine worthy of a YouTube influencer. You just need to do what the average person won’t:

• Show up early.
• Sleep enough.
• Do hard things.
• Keep learning.
• Protect your health.
• Lead with kindness.

Not everyone can be above average. But above average people can come from anywhere.