It's the Realistic Thing to Do

When we are young parents and teachers tell us we can do anything and become whatever we want. But as we grow older, these same people tell us we must be more realistic. Why is this mistaken for wisdom?

The words; go to school, study hard, get good grades, go to university, get a respectable job, sound all too familiar.

Why do parents and teachers assume this is the correct thing to do? Is it because this is the norm? This is what has always been done, it’s the path to earning a living, getting by, and a sense of security.

What about mediocrity?

I wonder how many people out there sit in jobs because they followed this path of being someone in some job because it was the realistic thing to do?

How many students grind their way through a maths or science degree at the neglect of their talent and interest in art, music, drama or teaching because it was the realistic thing to do?

This is not to say that study, education and learning are wrong. On the contrary, these are fundamental to growth and development. But I think we have to be clear on where our talents lie, what we’re passionate about so we can give ourselves the opportunity to play where we can win.

The earlier we can align and develop these in our lives the better.