WELCOME TOÂ THE ARENA
Life is not without its challenges. As Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Man in the Arena speech reminds us, it is not the critic who counts, but the one in the arena—whose face is marred by dust, sweat, and blood; who strives valiantly; who endures the trials and still dares greatly. It’s in the arena where we find both the struggle and the sweet reward, and where the ability to endure can change the game.
If you’re here, it means you share a belief that life is too important to settle for the status quo. You believe, as we do, that we are called to break free from average—not just in what we do, but in who we are becoming and the impact we make for others. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, coach, athlete, innovator, or a student of life, you feel the pull to rise above mediocrity and pursue something greater—something bigger than yourself.
Breaking average isn’t a solo journey. It’s about connecting with others who are intentional, creative, and driven to add value and make a difference. Together, we step beyond the comfort zone and into the potential zone, where growth and transformation happen.
Welcome to this shared mission. Here, you’ll find insights and strategies to help you thrive in life, excel in leadership, and build a legacy that truly matters.
"Because there is no effort without error and shortcomings..."Â
- Theodore Roosevelt
Resources To Help You Live and Lead
The long awaited book IMAGINE is available on Amazon Be sure to check it out by clicking the BOOKS link above.
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Our best selling book so far! This book is focused on building resilient teams.
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Recent Blogs
Check out the latest blog posts sharing insights and stories of breaking average.
Check out the Podcast
We created a podcast just for you that dives into the stories and practical application on what it takes to break average. Listen in to various thought leaders in our industry who share their tips on breaking average
Listen to the Podcast
Paul Gustavson
Paul Gustavson is the author of IMAGINEÂ and BREAKING AVERAGE, books that empower readers to lead themselves and their teams effectively. A leader in the GovCon tech industry, Paul is a frequent speaker and a passionate advocate for personal, cultural, and technical innovation.
As the co-founder of SimVentions—recognized as one of the best places to work—Paul has dedicated his career to advancing engineering solutions while fostering a culture of leadership, creativity, and integrity. A person of faith, Paul approaches his work and life with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact. He also co-hosts The Breaking Average Podcast, where he shares real stories, actionable insights, and strategies for building a meaningful and lasting legacy.
"Imagination will either lift you or limit you.
It's the most powerful muscle we have."Â
-Â Paul Gustavson
Thank you for visiting my corner of the world.
I’m passionate about seeing leaders lead and wanted to create a space to explore what it takes to push beyond the status quo—out of the comfort zone and into the potential zone. My goal is to share relevant news, innovative ideas, and practical resources to empower us on this journey called life.
Breaking average is more than a mindset—it’s a movement that can transform you and your team. To support that, we’ve curated three key resources: Blogs, Podcasts, and Books.
A great place to start is with a short e-book I’d love to share: The 5 Essential Attitudes of a Leader (see below). I also host an incredible podcast with friends, featuring real stories, real people, and real insights.
Take your time exploring the blogs, podcasts, books, and resources. Let’s connect—and together, let’s break average!
Paul
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