Shining Thru

I think that we have sold the younger generation short by telling them that they can do anything and become anyone that they want to be.  We make them feel like they are entitled to whatever they want, which is only limited by their imaginations.  there is nothing wrong with wanting our kids to be more successful than us, but to make that happen.  I think we need to introduce them to reality instead of only letting them dream.  Dreams are not bad things, but if the youth of today has never had to work hard for anything and don’t know how to make a plan to achieve a goal, if they simply expect things to happen then those dreams will never be reality.  No matter how hard they wish for and blame the world for their problems, if they were never taught responsibility and hard work, they will end up with nothing. 

I don’t think it’s fair that we are teaching all kids that everyone should go to college, no matter if they are inclined to academics or not.  I don’t think it’s fair that we are not encouraging our youth to follow the trades that they have a passion for and insisting that “No Child is Left Behind” and that everyone should go to college.  Maybe not everyone wants to go to college….but what is more important is that we are not preparing our youth for college because we are lowering the standards to the lowest common denominator so that No child will be left behind.  It is impossible to think that every child will always learn at the same pace as all of the others in their age group, across the country and across cultures….the only thing we are doing is setting them up for failure as a whole generation.  I’m afraid that except for the few kids who are going to work hard to get what they want despite society getting in their way, the rest of the rising generation is going to end up with nothing but empty dreams.

My friend said to me today “Life is all about self-confidence.”  I would agree with that to some extent, I would at least agree that having self-confidence, or the lack there of, definitely reflects in most parts of your life…your career, love life, social life….etc.  Having self-confidence can really change your life, and I can say that from experience.  I use to lack confidence in myself to the point where I didn’t have much of a social life or love life…I’ve always felt pretty confident in the work field, which is fortunate because no matter what I’ve been able to make a pretty good impression in the work field.  But having a career is only so fulfilling….

I think it’s important to distinguish between arrogance, the impression of confidence, and actually being comfortable with yourself and sure of yourself.  I think in a social/love life it is important that you know who you are and are comfortable with that before you bring other people into the mix at least in any type of serious way.  I think arrogance generally comes from the lack of self confidence and people overcompensating; and lets be serious, nobody likes anyone who thinks they are the end all be all, gift to the earth and can do no wrong.  If you are only giving the impression of confidence, it will catch up with you, people can pick up on your uncertainties, or you will simply come off as arrogant, and once again, nobody likes an arrogant person. 

It is very important to always portray confidence in the work place though, and I know that sounds contradictory, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone.  There are different rules for everything in life, this is no different.  I think you will be much more successful to always seem confident in your career…nobody wants to promote or even hire (in most cases) someone who seems unsure.  You could be the most qualified person, but if you don’t believe that and let the confidence of that knowledge shine through, your chances have just shrunk a great deal.

I guess what I’m saying in all of this, is that my friend was right, and self confidence is important in life….you can still exist but who knows to what quality of life you will have your existence until you simply die out and disappear off the radar……