The Problem Of Unrealized Potential | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Problem Of Unrealized Potential

Frustrations of a so-called "over-achiever"

669
The Problem Of Unrealized Potential
Dreams Time

I'm often called an over-achiever. Family have said it, friends have said it. And yes, I try to do a lot. I'm taking 18.5 college credits this semester, serving on Student Government, and trying to work at least 10-15 hours a week, which to some people, is more than could be handled. But am I actually an over-achiever, or am I simply an over-achiever when compared to the majority of an under-achieving society?

I'm not trying to say that a majority of society is lazy, but simply that they can do more than they believe possible. I think the problem is that people try. Try something new, try something that might not work. Why don't people want to try? Maybe sometimes it's because people are lazy. But the issue goes deeper than that.

People don't try because they don't see their own potential. They don't try to think about the most of which they are capable. People don't look at themselves in the mirror in the morning and say, "How am I going to affect the world today?" I fear that people see themselves as nothing more than a person, simply trying to make it through the day so that they can come home and watch Netflix.

Don't get me wrong; I enjoy Netflix as much as the next college kid. But there is so much more to life than Netflix. There's a whole world out there. A whole world of which we are blessed to be a part! People ask me how I am able to do so much, and part of it has to do with the fact that I know of what I am capable, and I don't want to waste any of my capabilities.

However, it is easy to become discouraged when you are the only person trying to do all that you can. It's not because I don't enjoy what I do. I love everything that I'm doing. I know that it is all for a cause, and that I am glorifying my God by doing it. But it is discouraging to me, because I am able to see of what others are capable. People are capable of so much, and yet they fritter their lives away on things that do not matter.

The hard part is making people see their own potential. But I'm going to find a way to do it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

159338
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

46620
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

41592
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments