Ignore Statistics, Averages, and Norms

Note: Although this article stands on its own, to get the most out it read this one first: How My Personal Development Began

Had I believed and followed the statistics, averages, and norms for a boy who was incarcerated for an extended period at age 15, I would not have come close to achieving any of the things I did.

Doctors use these measurements in predicting medical outcomes. Teachers and coaches rely on them for grading and categorizing. Parents lean on them for guidance. Even friends refer to them when offering advice. And psychiatrists and psychologists (article) depend on them nearly 100% in making their “so-called” diagnosis based on the continually growing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Pharmaceutical companies, who influence the content and expansion of the DSM, benefit greatly from it in the form of billions of dollars in profits whether their medications really work or not.

There is not a single person who has broken a record, overcome a serious health problem, or achieved anything extraordinary who relies on, looks at, or even considers statistics, averages, and norms. Ever!

There is a long list of well-known men and women who would have never achieved great success had they paid attention to statistics, averages, and norms. Here are a few.

Had Roger Bannister, who broke the four-minute mile, relied on or believed in the statistics, averages, and norms that said it was impossible; he would have never done it.

Had Richard Branson believed the statistics, averages, and norms of a person with dyslexia he would have never created hundreds of companies and become a billionaire.

Had Dr. Joe Dispenza followed statistics, averages, and norms after a tragic accident that left him with the high probability of being paralyzed or disabled he would have never fully recovered. He describes his amazing story in his book “You Are the Placebo.” I highly recommend it.

Had Dr. Michael Greger’s grandmother believed in the statistics, averages, and norms presented by her doctor in his diagnosis of her having terminal heart disease, she would have never fully recovered and thrived for many more years in excellent health. Nor would have her grandson become a doctor and write his incredible book, which includes her story, “How Not To Die.” My review.

Forget, ignore, and beat statistics, averages, and norms no matter your situation or needs. It’s fun, exciting, and incredibly rewarding.