Most people don’t fail.
They settle.
They get comfortable.
They get successful enough that growth starts to feel optional.
Average becomes the ceiling.
Breaking Average is for those who know there’s more in them—and refuse to drift.Â
AÂ place for leaders who carry responsibility, make hard decisions, and want to grow without losing clarity, conviction, or purpose.
The goal is to resource you, share stories of others, and learn together—because we break average together.
If leadership feels heavier than it should, or clearer than ever but harder to carry alone, you’re in the right place.
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Why this matters
Leadership doesn’t usually break in dramatic moments.
It erodes quietly.
Pressure builds.
Decisions stack up.
Clarity fades.
And momentum slowly gives way to maintenance.
Breaking Average exists to help leaders and teams stay sharp, grounded, and intentional—especially when success makes drifting easier.
This isn’t about motivation.
It’s about perspective, discipline, and sustained growth when the stakes are real.
"There is no effort without error and shortcomings."Â
- Theodore Roosevelt
WELCOME TOÂ THE ARENA
Life isn’t without its challenges. As Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Man in the Arena speech reminds us, it’s 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 reward—and where the ability to endure can change everything.
If you’re here, it means you believe life is too important to settle for the status quo. You’re convinced we’re 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, speaker, coach, athlete, innovator, or student of life, you feel the pull to rise above mediocrity and pursue something greater—something bigger than yourself.
Breaking Average is about going beyond the status quo.Â
It’s also about connecting with others who are intentional, creative, and driven to make a difference.
Step beyond the comfort zone and into the potential zone—where growth and transformation happen.
Find the insights and strategies to help you thrive to live, lead, and leave a legacy.
ResourcesÂ
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Latest Books
Brand NEW - and already a top seller! This book is focused on the lost art of resilience. Â
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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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Discover more books. . .
These are just three books. There are a few more in the Breaking Average library. Check out the portfolio of books, ebooks and audio books.Â
Check out the portfolio of booksBlogs
This site is where I publish my long-form thinking. Essays written for leaders navigating complexity, responsibility, and growth—at work and at home.
I publish my long-form thinking on Substack now. Follow Breaking Average there—and share it with others.
For some of the archived blogs, here's the path.
Podcast
My friends and I 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 a technology leader, author, and speaker known for helping people and organizations grow with clarity, purpose, and momentum—often by challenging how they imagine what’s possible.
As co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of SimVentions—a 25-year engineering firm supporting those who protect our nation—Paul guides the company’s technical vision and champions innovation grounded in service, integrity, and excellence.
His guiding belief is simple: “Your legacy isn’t what you build—it’s who it builds.” Drawing from decades of engineering leadership, mentoring, and values-anchored principles, he develops practical frameworks that turn imagination into meaningful action.
Over a decade ago, Paul was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Anchored in hope, he continues to live a fully active life—a journey that has deepened his perspective on resilience, faith, and intentional living.
Paul is the author of Face the Mountain, Leaders Press On, IMAGINE and Breaking Average—books blending story, strategy, and insight to strengthen mindset and influence. He co-hosts the Breaking Average Podcast and leads the Lead Bulletproof Community, a growing network of leaders committed to resilience, growth, and service.
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"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 truly lead, and I created this space to explore what it takes to push beyond the status quo—stepping out of the comfort zone and into the potential zone.
My goal is to share innovative ideas, practical resources, and real stories that empower us on this journey called life. Breaking average isn't just a mindset—it's a movement that can transform individuals, teams, and organizations.
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 (below). I also co-host the Breaking Average Podcast with friends, featuring authentic stories from real people who are pushing boundaries and building lasting legacies.
Take your time exploring the blogs, podcasts, books, and other resources here. In the months ahead, look for more stories of everyday leaders breaking average in extraordinary ways.
Let's connect—and together, let's break average!
Paul
Stay Connected
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