Stuck in Kollel Mediocrity

June 22, 2009 | Comments 0

As a whole, people are obsessed with exceptionalism. Whether its Gadlus BaTorah, or lehavdil, the world’s record holder for high diving, we glorify amazing feats accomplished by really amazing people. There is something captivating when a person, who on the surface appears to be just like you and me, is able to accomplish great feats.

But us regular people find refuge in mediocrity (definition). Its safe to be plain. It doesn’t take much work to be medicore. It doesn’t need any talent. It doesn’t require you to change. It seems so secure to sit and plan the next 5, 10, 15 years of your life imagining that they will be the same way they are now.

Why relegate exceptionalism to others? They were regular people until they decided to do something amazing. They applied themselves without fail to their goal. They applied themselves with diligence, passion, and yes, obsession. They embraced change, and realized full well that they would not be in the same place next week or next year. And one day they found themselves standing at the goal, with a crowd of mediocre admirers lauding their exceptional achievment.

If you feel that by staying in kollel you can do exceptional things, by all means, please stay. The world needs more such people. Finish Shas, tackle Yerushalmi, write a sefer, become a posek. But if all you will be is mediocre, get out while you can. As Seth says so eloquently, mediocrity will not get you anywhere. Find where you can be exceptional, and go there.

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