Potential Not Monetized is Not Potential Wasted
It’s tempting to fall into the habit of expressing ones own ideas under the guise of “we”, “they”, and “people.” Doing so introduces the comforting illusion that I am not alone in feeling what I’m trying to express in that moment. Nonetheless, most interesting observations are those I suspect to be somewhat universal. So, hopefully, I’m not delusional in assuming the following ideas are relevant to audiences greater than myself.
I recall being informed of my potential from early in life. People near to me were stubborn in their claim that I possessed qualities. Qualities that — whatever they were — deserved no more definition than the word potential itself. Excited by such mystery, I adopted a great enthusiasm for my future-self over my present-self, mirroring the confidence that those around me seemed to exude.
Reflecting an individuals self-worth and identity against what they earn is, on a sunny day, spiritually sadistic
As my interests evolved, so did a peculiar shift in the ongoing feedback received regarding my potential. The more time I spent with music and art, the more frequently reminded I’d be that such activities were to be enjoyed and not pursued. The greater my intensity and focus on athletics and sports, the more aggressively reassured that they shouldn’t be top priority. Over time, this constant…
