Can You Be Anything You Want?
June 24, 2008 10:28 AM EDT
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"You can be anything you want, if you just put your mind to it." I have no doubt that everyone reading this article has heard some variation of this from someone or other. I, however, doubt the validity of this statement. I'm sure at this point you are asking, "Why is that?" What about those young children who desperately want to be Ballerinas or Gymnasts but just have the wrong body type? It's sad that those sports are so specific, but I don't see them changing. Or what if they are just born with good coordination? What if there is someone who wants to be a doctor but has a C average in school? It's my opinon that there are certain things that it doesn't matter how much you set your mind to it, it's not going to happen. I took ballet for 10 years, but unfortunately would never have made a Ballerina. What are your thoughts on the subject?
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Comments: 64
Besides the physical attributes you mentioned that are needed for some activities and professions, there is also the fact that if you don't come from a background that can support your ambitions, you won't get there.
Anyone who has ever beat the odds had backing on many levels.
In "The Pursuit of Happyness," that guy believed in himself and never stopped working to get where he wanted to be. But if he didn't have the trust and support of his child, and the company's willingness to let him in the door, he would not have succeeded.
It takes more than "putting your mind to it."
Now with the body, figure, or anything that requires certain capabilities, I agree. Someone who was born with an illness like Stephen Hawking is not going to be able to do figure skating but he's proven that they can become a great scientist.
Money,Intelligence and ability have a lot to do with it...
But I think we have a more open door to do what we want to
...serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
You can't be whatever you imagine yourself to be -- but you have a responsibility to become the BEST you! Discovering what that looks like is the essence of the spiritual journey we are on, and it begins with understanding your unique strengths and weaknesses.
Personalities play a huge role because I have one daughter who thinks she can do anything while becoming an olympic athlete and the president of the free world -- and another daughter who lives by the theory that if we end up clean, at home after a sweaty sporting competition, why not just skip the event and start where we'll finish...
RJ :o)
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I do believe, though...that our mindset is our greatest obstacle by far in achieving our dreams. We have to believe in ourselves and in our abilities in order for our dreams to come true.
Thanks for posting to Our GatherBroadcasting.
Ten by me.
Your trolls are out too. Geez
I think we can acieve happiness, along the way of trying, and find many benifical things along the way.
If it were true, we would have had way more president's than we've had, there would be millions of sports and rock and roll stars, and pretty much everybody would be wealthy.
Ability and opportunity are key elements in the range of things which any one person "can" be.
The most irritating thing about this phrase is that I've heard it so often, and too often, wielded by one person trying to convince another person that the second-person could be what the first-person wants them to be, if only second-person would work and try hard enough. I hate that kind of blame-shame manipulating.
We;d need to add "within reason"
When my youngest sister was about 3 or 4 she announced at dinner one night that when grew up she wanted to be a Chinese nurse! No problem, you might say. Well . . . we are Irish Catholic, blue-eyed and as Caucasian as you please. It's a joke about a serious topic. I think it's important for people to be realistic but not be deterred if something really matters to them.
I think with the right assistance, support, etc., everyone can be a success at life.
Some of us were not born to be doctors or surgeons, but we can do something worth doing if we are given the opportunities.
(a) You set achievable goals
(b) Know your strengths and weaknesses and
(c) Be at the right place at the right time.
Thank you for asking! :))
I've never done a good cartwheel or learned to juggle. I believe that we can do things, yet not be the best. It's enough to enjoy what we do, without excelling.
In terms of employment, we need to be realistic, however, and choose a career field with job openings.
Kids interpret things different and literally.
I don't recall any ProBasketball players being 4'11", or any homely Super Models.
But then again, Shrub made President with a C- average in school!
Of course he had the connections and a BIllionare Dad, so that doesn't really count.
Obviously, everything is "Within Reason".
You balance being realistic with your kids and being encouraging. You tell them if you work hard enough, you can do what you set your mind to. But, also if you can't make it with the profession you want, then it just wasn't meant to be.
Thanks for this article Sarah, you brought up some interesting truths.