Average, the top of the bottom Published Feb. 28, 2011 By Chief Master Sgt. James Sanders 8th Fighter Wing command chief KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- What is right beneath average? The answer to the question is below average, hence the title of this week's article. Being average is not about a result, but about a mindset that leads to the result. This week, I want to explore how you engage each activity associated with your life. I believe that what you get out of life, your career and personal pursuits, is what you invest in it. So as you examine your recent results in your life, were the results average because you put forth an average effort? Or were your efforts average because you have not taken the time to be physically, mentally and spiritually excellent? You are the only one to answer these questions, and the answers should drive your efforts towards excellence. If you have done your best and you ended up with an average result, then that's OK because you put your all in accomplishing your goal. However, if you did not lay it on the line, then you are living beneath your means and you, and those around you, may suffer from lack -- lack in the form of missed opportunities in promotion, decreased personal fulfillment, or even mission degradation. We need each person putting their hearts and energies into themselves as well as our great team. You see, if you see average as the top of the bottom and move towards positively exploiting your gifts, then our entire operation will improve because each person is performing at peak levels. That's what separates the Wolf Pack from any other wing in the world. Being average is beneath you. The Wolf Pack's focus is to be the best that we can be, and collectively to support the Wolf's Intent to Deter, Defend, Defeat and Develop. We will never be top of the bottom. Who you with ... Wolf Pack!