When you hear someone use a cliché my guess is that you ignore them.
Why? Because in English 101, your professor told you to avoid clichés at all costs. This is due to the overall conclusion that a cliché moment or phrase is considered a flaw.
The definition of a cliché is, “a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought." But, as I'm sure you have intelligently guessed from the tile of this article, I think that we should not be so quick to ignore these statements. In fact, as young adults, these clichés serve as a wake up call.
How did clichés become so popular in the first place? It's because these short statements are effective in their ability to share wisdom. Here are four clichés to help you apply meaning to your life.
1. Nothing worth having comes easy – Let’s face reality. When you graduate, the vast majority of you are not going to immediately become CEO’s. I hope you are aware that it takes hard work and patience to make what you want happen. I think that this is valuable to remember because people can become easily overwhelmed with the success we have not yet reached. When really, if we work hard, achieving the role as CEO becomes more attainable. And the realization that becoming CEO is possible is the true gem.
2. Actions speak louder than words – What you do holds much more significance than what you say. In other words, stop talking and start doing. As opposed to spending your time wishing you could do something, step back and make your ambitions happen. To quote Aristotle “we are what we repeatedly do.”
3. The grass is greener on the other side – People often crave want they don’t have. However, what a lot of people do not realize is that you have a choice. A choice to appreciate and enjoy what you actually have rather than wanting something just for the sole purpose that you do not have it.
4. Laughter is the best medicine – When I was little, I remember an adult convincing me that the more you laugh, the longer you live. I have to say that as a seven year old, this fact was groundbreaking. I remember that day trying to laugh as much as possible. While I realize now that laughter will not cure an illness, I do know that laughter makes you feel better. Most peoples' goal in life is to be happy. And, news flash, we choose how we feel. Thus, we have the power to choose happiness. In an unfortunate situation, you can choose to be happy as opposed to focusing on the negative. Because honestly, it feels better to laugh than to cry.
So think again about what your professor preached in English 101 about clichés. Maybe clichés hold more meaning than you thought possible. On the other hand, one cliché that I will forever struggle with, “the early bird catches the worm.” How I made it to my 8:20 every Monday and Wednesday morning this past semester is just short of a miracle.
But please don't take this writing piece too literally and make your dramatic twist ending into a romantic fairytale. I know you’re smarter than that.
