The United States of America has an underlying motto that gives its children the idea that they can be whatever they want to be if they work hard at it. If they want to be a basketball player like Michael Jordan, all they have to do is practice hard everyday and they will achieve their goal. America has become obsessed with the modern hero who goes against all odds (talent, probability, etc.) and succeeds in the end. The underdog story is the most popular and the most encouraged story that there is in our culture. Unfortunately, the idea that people can just work hard and become whatever they want to be is a myth. If people lack the talent, they won't possess the abilities necessary for their chosen goal.

For example, a student who is bad at math but amazing at English gets called down to the counseling office. The counselor, instead of praising them for their accomplishments in English and promoting English-based programs for the student to participate in, gets agitated with the student's lack of ability in math and forces them to go to an all-year math class for help. No matter how much the student tries, however, math will simply never come as easily to them as English will. This is only a hypothetical example of course, but situations of more and less extremes have occurred all over the world multiple times and they will continue occurring until everyone sees that their strengths are what's going to make them successful in life, not their weaknesses.

Not to say that one shouldn't work on their weaknesses, but to be so much involved with them that you neglect your strengths completely would be a faulty plan indeed. Choosing the road of most resistance could very well lead to a disappointing life.

If you're an amazing architect who makes millions of houses every year that are beautifully crafted, but you aren't very social and have problems communicating with others, you probably shouldn't sell your houses yourself. Get a realtor to do the job. Work on your communication skills outside of work. Be smart.

The saddest part is that underdogs are recognized for succeeding at the smallest things on a daily basis while the people who are talented and excel in their careers don't even get noticed for achieving the impossible. The priorities of this country should probably change to fit the ideal plan for the American child who wants to be an astronaut but has asthma. Don't conform to America's dream. Live yours.