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“Dear applicant, while you were among the shortlisted candidates, the client has chosen someone else for the position. We are sorry for your disappointment.”
Ever gotten one of those? It’s not exactly a rejection, but it might as well be. It’s like being told, “Hey, you were almost good enough, but…not quite.” And you sit there, staring at the email, thinking, “Yeah, thanks for reminding me I’m an ‘almost’ in everything.”
Being an “almost”—it’s a weird place to be, right?
You’re not that fat, but you’re definitely not ripped either. Your skin’s not quite fair, but not deep either. Your hair’s neither curly nor straight. There is not really anything specific. You’re just…there. You’re in this awkward limbo of meh. And the thing is, you’re not even bad looking. You’re just not distinct. No one’s stopping mid-conversation to say, “Wow, you’ve got such a unique vibe!”
Nah. You don’t have that.
And personality? Let’s talk about that. You’re not the brooding rebel who challenges every system, but you’re not the quiet, shy mouse either. You’re not the quirky, charming type. You are not the meticulous, perfectionist type. You’re not the genius who solves problems in seconds, but you’re also not the person who’s totally clueless.
You get by. You’re fine.
You’re not the athletic one who goes by climbing mountains. But, you’re also not the person who passes out after a single workout. You’re average. You don’t even get sick often enough to skip out on things—you can’t even catch a break when it comes to getting a break.
You are like the middle child of the universe. Not bright and bold like the firstborn, not dramatic like the youngest. Just…there. The one who laughs quietly, trips on the sidewalk, brushes off the dirt, and moves on. No spotlight. No crowd cheering. Just another day.
Then there comes a time when you feel like, “God, I am not even the main character in my own story”. But let me stop you there. Being an “almost” isn’t just a sideline. It’s a complete genre of its own. My advice? Embrace it.
Being a professional “almost,” let me share some tips that worked for me in mastering the art of being an “almost”.
1. Focus on yourself.
This is what makes you the main character of your life. Shift your attention away from what you lack and focus on what you have. Your capabilities are unique—put them to good use. Write your own story and follow it through. This is your narrative, and you can shape it however you choose.
2. Be Your Own Paparazzi
Document your day-to-day progress through pictures and videos. This will help you see how far you’ve come on your journey. Celebrate the small wins, the silly moments, and even the mundane days. Each snapshot is a reminder that you are moving forward, even if it feels slow.
3. Clear the Clutter through Journaling
Writing can be a powerful tool. Document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This acts as a meditation on paper; it will help you identify mistakes, clear mental clutter, and plan for the future. A journal becomes a safe space to sort through your thoughts and track your growth over time.
4. Embrace Your Evolution
The greatest benefit of being an “almost” is that you are a work-in-progress. You’re not the person with braces in the yearbook, nor the prom queen. It’s not a race for perfection or a downhill journey from youth. Accept that you are evolving, like the tortoise that wins the race. Embrace this journey of growth.
5. Enjoy the Perks of Mediocrity
You’ve got no great shoes to fill and no untapped treasure of talent that burdens you. This means you can fall and stand up as many times as you want. Stay consistent, work hard, and stand your ground through thick and thin. When the time comes, you will be the one standing tall, having learned from each stumble.
6. Enjoy Your Invisibility
You may not be the celebrity that everyone lays down a red carpet for, and you are not the villain who dominates through fear. Just enjoy being an ordinary person who can devour a cheeseburger without worry, run wild on the roadside, or laugh without a care. There’s freedom in being unnoticed—relish it!
7. Comparison is the Thief of Joy
In a world that thrives on comparison, remind yourself that each person’s journey is unique. Avoid measuring your worth against others’ highlight reels. Focus on your path, your growth, and your successes. You are enough, just as you are.
8. Be the “Emily in Paris” of Your Own Life
Explore your world with curiosity and delight. Embrace the mundane and the magical in equal measure. You were sent here to be you, and that’s more than enough. Celebrate your hits and misses, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.
Every main character in a story has their share of struggles and setbacks. What makes their journey compelling is how they navigate those challenges. As an “almost,” you get to experience the twists and turns of your own narrative without the pressure of perfection. You can revel in the messy, chaotic, beautiful moments that make life worthwhile.
Don’t shy away from your “almost” status; instead, wear it as a badge of honor, and create a life that reflects who you truly are.
~
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