Escaping ‘General Population’ in Life: Ryan Reisert’s Call to Action

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ryan Reisert draws a stark parallel between the concept of “General Population” in prison and a state of mediocrity in everyday life. He argues that remaining in this “General Population” of life is a trap that hinders personal and professional growth, urging individuals to actively break free.

Reisert begins by posing a provocative question, likening the undesirable state of “Gen Pop” in prison to a similar condition in one’s life. He writes:

Gen Pop in prison? A place you do NOT want to be.

Gen Pop in life? Exactly the same.

According to Reisert, this “General Population” in life is characterized by a lack of ambition and a settling for the status quo. He elaborates on the components that define this state:

The Defining Characteristics of Life’s ‘General Population’

Ryan Reisert identifies several key indicators that signal an individual is trapped in this state of mediocrity. These elements, he suggests, contribute to a self-perpetuating cycle of average achievement and thinking.

Average Everything

As Reisert points out, the hallmarks of being in life’s “General Population” include settling for an average existence across various domains. He states:

Average job.
Average circle.
Average thinking.

In Reisert’s view, these average elements are not merely coincidental but form a deliberate trap. This environment, he argues, actively discourages deviation from the norm and stifles any potential for exceptional achievement.

Strategies for Breaking Free

The core message of Reisert’s post is not just to identify the problem but to offer a solution: actively escaping this self-imposed confinement. He contrasts those who remain stuck with those who actively pursue advancement.

Protective Custody or Breaking Out

Ryan Reisert posits that successful individuals, or “winners” as he refers to them, do not resign themselves to mediocrity. Instead, they adopt one of two proactive strategies. He explains:

Winners don’t stay there. They build protective custody or break the hell out.

In Reisert’s analysis, “building protective custody” could imply creating a focused environment, setting strong boundaries, or surrounding oneself with high-achievers to shield against negative influences and maintain momentum. Conversely, “breaking the hell out” suggests a more aggressive, decisive action to dismantle limiting circumstances and pursue new opportunities with vigor.

The post concludes with a direct challenge to the reader, forcing introspection on their current situation. Reisert asks:

You still in Gen Pop… or did you already break free?

This rhetorical question serves as a final call to action, encouraging readers to assess whether they are passively accepting an average life or actively striving for something more, embodying the proactive mindset Reisert advocates for.