Idiosyncrasy and mediocrity are two important terms.
If they were diseases they would constitute a
pandemic or two. Idiosyncrasy is a characteristic peculiarity of constitution or habit, that includes structure and temperament.    

Mediocrity means being of moderate or low
quality. Or, in a word, ordinary.

There is overwhelming evidence that
idiosyncrasy is like unto a birthright, the given
or inherited, no less than the color of a person's
eyes. However, this is not to say that idiosyncratic behavior cannot be altered to some degree by the environment or behavior modificatioin. Such can be and usually is counter-productive and destructive. Obviously, much deviant-like behavior is not derived from idiosyncrasy.

There seems to be little cause for disagreement
on the nature and cause of mediocrity. Simple put mediocrity can be replaced with excellence
or high quality. An ordinary person can, in fact,
become extraordinary. Examples of this
achievement are too numerous to mention.

In light of the foregoing, it becomes clear that it
is wisdom for a person to accept his idiosyncrasy, as a gift rather than a curse, no less than he accepts his uniqueness or individuality. Allow your idiosyncrasy to be your friend, without regard for how others feel about you. There are many people who are dysfunctional because of socialization that failed to respond positively to their idiosyncrasies. It can be something of an uphill fight for the idiosyncratic person to be authentic in a world that seeks to make him something other than who he is or is meant to be.

With mediocrity the matter is different than
with idiosyncrasy. A person has the ability to change and if he takes responsibility he can excel and live in keeping with his potentiality. He can declare to and for himself that mediocrity is unacceptable and refuse to accept it as a goal. A prerequisite to rejecting mediocrity is self-discovery and self-acceptance that lead to self-development and self-expression. At some point a person has to see himself as someone who is worthy of being unique and already blessed, but may not have known it earlier. With this awareness he will be driven to be and do that which adds to his consciousness and that of humankind.

While no further discussion is needed on the matters of idiosyncrasy and mediocrity, it is worth emphasizing that idiosyncrasy is God-given and mediocrity represents something less than what is acceptable or healthy.

A warning! Or, is it a plea? Accept your uniqueness that is most pronouncedly manifested in your idiosyncrasy and resist the chronic urge to be ordinary or settle to be less than you are capable of being.

          To be nobody but yourself
           is a battle worth fighting;
           To be your best is an endless
                       pursuit.
           In these two commitments you
           will experience the joy of
                       living.

Copyright 2009 by Uriah J. Fields