In academia, we're trained to aim for the 80-90% range, the gold standard of A-grade performance. But life operates on a different grading curve. Consider film ratings: a movie with a 70% IMDb score is highly recommended, yet films scoring 90% are exceedingly rare.

Even legends like Michael Jordan, Messi, and Meryl Streep don't maintain a 90% success rate. Their greatness isn't about flawless records; it's about relentless effort and resilience in the face of setbacks.

Chasing that elusive 90% can set us up for disappointment. The odds, both statistical and existential, often work against us. Spiritual texts echo this: life's essence isn't about unbroken success but about learning and evolving through diverse experiences.

J.K. Rowling said it best: "It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all."

This isn't a call to lower our ambitions but to recalibrate our success metrics. Average isn't mediocre; it's a fertile ground for growth and opportunity. With success rates often hovering around 60%, consistent effort is key to unlocking so-called success. Being overly self-critical for not always hitting the high mark is counterproductive. Life's magic often unfolds in the 50-60% zones, where real experiences and growth reside.

So, the next time you're at that 60% threshold, don't despair. Chances are, you're on the brink of something brilliant. Embrace the average, adjust your success scale, and recognize that life's true magic often happens in the uncelebrated middle.