Why Most People Stay Average (Backed by Science)Original Author: Mental Garden Expanded by: e4c.tech Editorial Commentary | Isabella Johnston

Most people don’t fall sho

rt because they lack talent. They remain average because they’re overwhelmed—distracted by constant digital stimuli, disconnected by remote work, and emotionally drained by the pace of modern life.

I believe this trend is no accident. It's the result of systemic shifts that undervalue emotional and relational intelligence—areas essential to thriving in a deeply human way. But don’t take my word for it—science backs it up.

The Decline of Emotional Intelligence

A measurable drop in emotional intelligence (EQ) has surfaced globally:

• EQ scores fell 5.54% between 2019 and 2023, with every individual competency declining

• Only 36% of people are classified as emotionally intelligent—leaving 64% operating with limited self-awareness and empathy

• Experts call this an "emotional recession", driven by burnout, low well-being, and social volatility source

Mental Health & Cognitive Function Breakdown

The Mental State of the World 2024 report adds more weight:

• A 30-point drop in mental health scores among younger adults

• Younger generations face 4–5x greater struggles in planning, focus, speech, and social interactions source

The data speaks for itself—mental capacity is slipping right when connection and awareness are most critical.

The Remote Work Effect

While hybrid models are convenient, they also contribute to professional and emotional isolation:

• Reduced informal interactions diminish social skill development

• Remote employees report greater loneliness and work-home interference

• Studies show that virtual distance weakens team cohesion unless actively addressed source

Remote work may streamline productivity—but at the cost of our human glue.

AI & Technology: Tools or Traps?

Artificial intelligence isn’t inherently harmful—it’s how we use it that matters:

• AI-driven communication reduces in-person engagement, which erodes empathy

• Research warns that AI can blur authorship, dilute human contribution, and disconnect people from communal experience source

Tech should extend human capability—not replace the essence of it.

The Pareto Principle: Why the Few Excel

As the Pareto distribution teaches us:

• 80% of results stem from 20% of effort

• 90% of revenue comes from 10% of clients

• 99% of web traffic lands on just 1% of websites

Success isn't evenly distributed. It’s concentrated—because most people focus on what’s familiar rather than what’s strategic.

My Assumption: Why People Choose Average

From the data and my own perspective:

“Most people choose to stay average because they are emotionally disconnected, socially isolated, and cognitively overwhelmed by the pace of change.”

It’s not a personal failure—it’s cultural conditioning. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

Escaping the Average: What We Can Do

Here’s how we turn the tide:

• Rebuild Relationships

Invest in genuine connections, not transactional networks.

• Reclaim Emotional Intelligence

Practice empathy, mindfulness, and vulnerability—even in the workplace.

• Use Technology Wisely

Let AI and tech amplify your strengths, not diminish your presence.

• Apply Pareto Thinking

Focus on the 20% of actions that create 80% of your growth.

And here’s the deeper strategy for exponential transformation:

Peer & Reverse Mentoring

• Peer mentoring involves shared growth through mutual learning.

• Reverse mentoring flips the hierarchy—where younger individuals mentor senior leaders in tech, cultural fluency, or emotional intelligence.

Studies show this builds humility, opens communication, and strengthens innovation source

Embrace Servant Leadership

Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, servant leadership puts people first:

“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve.” — Greenleaf

These leaders:

• Empower others

• Practice empathy and deep listening

• Foster trust and purpose

Servant leadership boosts mentoring success and self-efficacy source

Reconnect with Maslow's Human Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy reminds us that love and belonging—friendship, intimacy, and community—are the foundation of psychological growth. Without them, we stagnate.

Rediscover Human Touchpoints

These experiences recharge us:

• Experiential Learning: Promotes leadership and memory retention source

• In-Person Work & Conferences: Foster deeper professional bonds source

• Knowing Your Neighbors: Builds trust and mental resilience source

• Spiritual Gatherings: Offer belonging and shared meaning source

These aren’t optional—they are essential.

Final Thought & Call to Action

Escaping the average begins with small, intentional choices. Connection is a strategy. Empathy is a skill. And growth is fueled by who you surround yourself with.

So, take one relational step forward today. Reconnect. Reflect. Rebuild.

Let’s go beyond average—together.

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