"When I grow up I want to be the best animal doctor in the universe!"
Such was the dream of a younger, littler me. I was convinced I wanted to be an animal doctor, and the best one, at that. It seems that when we were younger, we all had a desire to be something amazing. Something special.
Then you grew up.
You got older and realized some kids are better at math than you.
You got older and realized that most kids run faster than you.
You got older and realized you're not the best. In fact, you're just alright at some things.
At face value, such realizations seem pessimistic and small-minded. However, I think our generation could serve to benefit from remembering we are not the best at everything and do not have to be. Every musician faces the frustration of working hard on a piece, and then finding an Asian toddler who can play the piece vastly better. Hopefully, the reason one chooses to pick up an instrument is not to be the best, but for the sake of mastery. Our generation is consumed by the idea of being the best. We do numerous activities, take difficult classes, and even pick up hobbies just for the sake of being the best at it.
Well I tell you what, you're not the best. Deal with it.
Think of how much more sleep we would have if we weren't spending every waking hour working! It's as if we've forgotten the value of doing absolutely nothing!
Think of how much happier we would be if we could simply be happy with what we can do, and the good effort we put into it -- even if someone else has a cooler looking art project than you.
Think of how you would naturally enjoy your studies more if you studied because you want to learn and enjoy the subject, rather than spending every waking hour just for an A. You could have the best grades in your class and know absolutely nothing. Do you really want your entire identity to be held up by a symbolic letter and wasted hours?
When we only strive to be the best, we restrict ourselves and others. We set rigid lines for who we can be, and force our self value to depend on prestige. With our attitudes, we tell others that they are not smart or worth anything if they are not a straight A student or in the top school in the country. I have met numerous brilliant people who do not do well in a classroom. History knows great people who flunked out: Shakespeare, George Washington, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, William Faulkner, Albert Einstein, Joe DiMaggio. They didn't have the grades, yet the world remembers them. You are special, but not because of your grades.
You are special, even if the history books don't write you down. For those who have seen "The Office," have you ever realized the show's most important message? The show focuses on a paper company -- that's not special. Yet look at Pam who was only a receptionist. Or even Jim who just sells paper. They have a seemingly boring life yet they are happy. Michael Scott left a lasting impact on his staff even though he was largely obnoxious and did not have a college degree. The show sought to remind us that what we find boring and achingly mediocre, holds beauty.
Don't waste your time on being the best. Spend your precious and fleeting time on what's worth your while. You are already special. Don't go making fake criteria that you don't need to fill in order to be of value. Whose got time for that?
