The Extraordinary Power of Being Average

By: Mel Herbert MD

Narrated by: Mel Herbert MD

While some hear the word "average" and think: lackluster, un-exceptional, mediocre- Mel Herbert begs to differ. It is the rule, not the exception, he claims, that average people can do extraordinary things. Herbert, an award-winning doctor, philanthropist and creator of innovative medical education companies recognized around the world, shows us how we can accomplish extraordinary things not in spite of being average, but because of it.

Drawing on stories from his difficult childhood growing up in the Australian outback with an abusive father, as well as three decades of experience as a emergency medical practitioner and educator, Herbert debunks the myth that it's the strongest, smartest, and highest achievers among us who have the greatest chance at success. Filled with fascinating stories and candid humor, The Extraordinary Power of Being Average is part-memoir, part-roadmap to help you lead an authentic, meaningful, and best of all, extraordinarily average life.

©2024 Mel Herbert MD (P)2024 Mel Herbert MD

Truly inspiring

This story is what more people need to hear. We’re all being told to be “the best“ to believe that we need to outperform others, at least that’s how I was raised. The message in this book is refreshing and might be the cure for the mindset, which is causing us all to, have a worldwide mental health crisis. Fostering a sense of community and empowering to be compassionate and kind is truly the antidote to our societies ailment. Bravely written and kudos to Mel for sharing his story and humanizing the human condition.

I’m average but I have done extraordinary things

I loved gut wrenching honesty of the story teller. I am average but have done some extraordinary things

Humble heroics

Dr Mel Herbert is somewhat of legend in ER circles. He manifests a humble, down to earth tone explaining how even the most average of us can accomplish great feats through hard work and perseverance overcoming great odds and obstacles. He not only writes it, he has lived it with great insight and intelligence, empathy and self deprecatory sense of humor that serves as an inspirational tale for the ages and all those who will simply dream what could be and try from the bottom of their hearts. Thank you, Mel, for this wonderful gift and story.

Dreams, hard work, make changes

All of this discussion applies to people who have a career outside of Medicine.
He overcame many childhood obstacles that reminded me of Elon Musk’s recent biography.
He has portrayed the amount of dedication that is needed for the 11 year opportunity cost of becoming an emergency physician. I remember that he said years ago that emergency medicine was for young people. He ended his clinical emergency medicine career at age 50. It is great that he has shared with the emergency medicine community the changes he has made over the years.

Amazingly average story. 😉

Interesting backstory of Mel and his creation of EM:RAP. Mel’s honest and frank story about depression and his suicidal thoughts was very cathartic as I’ve lost too many friends and family to this terrible disease.

Positive impact on humanity

This is a must read for anyone, any human, as it speaks of humanity. Any resource that encourages better humanity is a worthwhile investment. This is also inspiring and brings hope. I am grateful for the author and the deep honesty he shared. I am also grateful for his life’s work and educational program; it has helped me take better care of people and with insights gained from listening to this I hope to do even better.