In this CNA article, Grace Yeoh said .. being able to shape a healthier, more holistic perspective of success in the long term begins with not looking at mediocrity as a moral failing. … I would add “including mediocre drive” as in my case compared to the MS Thai Executive Director.

I can accept mediocre talent as in athletics or math, but refusing to adopt good habits is hard to accept, and mediocre effort is hard to accept. Note “mediocre effort” is debatable .. who is to judge? See https://btv-open.dreamhosters.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=25766&action=edit&classic-editor

Many (or most) kids at my son’s age are perhaps mediocre in school. No special training in piano or swimming.

Many parents are too busy or can’t afford, so their kids will be on their own. At this age, they are likely to be mediocre.

Some of these kids can still go to a decent uni. From there, they may excel in their chosen field of study or chosen career, mostly due to (accumulated) effort rather than abilities.

Parents need to accept it, and recognize the potential in our kids, even if they are mediocre in everything.

When we say, well above average, or “doing well”, or “good at”…, it doesn’t have to be top x%. It’s fine to be vague. It basically means the kid is performing well by some standard.

In fact those doing well academically or in CCA are probably mediocre by a higher standard. By such a standard, very few people are extra-ordinary.