“Just because I am able to do something well does not mean that I enjoy doing it.”
The above statement seems to completely confound and baffle a lot of people.
One of the reasons I think the above statement confuses or frustrates some folks, is because humans have a tendency to project their needs, desires and insecurities on others.
Parents do this with their children. Andre Agassi spent a good chunk of his extremely well written autobiography, “Open” on this very topic.
And coaches and teachers have a tendency to do this with their students too.
Yes, confess. I am one of those very annoying people that happen to be very good at a lot of different things….however, I don’t find those “things” that I do well all that interesting or enjoyable.
(poor me.) ;-)
It was not unusual when I was growing up for a teacher, coach, etc. to strongly encourage me to pursue a specific sport, musical instrument, science fair prize, etc.
I remember thinking, “yeah that is nice….but I’d really rather spend my time doing _______ instead.”
Back in 2001, I watched an early episode of Malcolm in the Middle where Malcolm was stressed out because he was concerned about making a bad decision and choosing the wrong future career for himself. So, he took an aptitude test to find out what he should be when he grew up. Instead of diffusing his anxiety, his frustration was increased because he found out that he is equally excellently qualified to do anything.
Boy, could I relate to that story line. ;-)
I recall having a meltdown when I was 8 years old (yes, I was really 8 years old)….because I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, in college….and financial aid forms were confusing to me…and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school…. :-o
(oh my)
Well, upon reflection, everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
My current job isn’t what I would call “fun” – but I do it extremely well and it pays the bills and has a sweet benefits package.
…more importantly, it gives me the time and space to pursue things that I find challenging and enjoyable.
And perhaps THAT is what is important to a satisfactory life – making the effort to pursue things that you find challenging…rather than activities that you find easy.
References
Agassi, A. (2009) Open: An Autobiography. New York. Alfred A. Knopf / Random House, Inc.
Boomer, L. Glouberman, M., and Orenstein, A. (February 2001). Hal Quits. Malcolm in the Middle. Retrieved January 14, 2010, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0640331/maindetails
One of the reasons I think the above statement confuses or frustrates some folks, is because humans have a tendency to project their needs, desires and insecurities on others.
Parents do this with their children. Andre Agassi spent a good chunk of his extremely well written autobiography, “Open” on this very topic.
And coaches and teachers have a tendency to do this with their students too.
Yes, confess. I am one of those very annoying people that happen to be very good at a lot of different things….however, I don’t find those “things” that I do well all that interesting or enjoyable.
(poor me.) ;-)
It was not unusual when I was growing up for a teacher, coach, etc. to strongly encourage me to pursue a specific sport, musical instrument, science fair prize, etc.
I remember thinking, “yeah that is nice….but I’d really rather spend my time doing _______ instead.”
Back in 2001, I watched an early episode of Malcolm in the Middle where Malcolm was stressed out because he was concerned about making a bad decision and choosing the wrong future career for himself. So, he took an aptitude test to find out what he should be when he grew up. Instead of diffusing his anxiety, his frustration was increased because he found out that he is equally excellently qualified to do anything.
Boy, could I relate to that story line. ;-)
I recall having a meltdown when I was 8 years old (yes, I was really 8 years old)….because I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, in college….and financial aid forms were confusing to me…and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school…. :-o
(oh my)
Well, upon reflection, everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
My current job isn’t what I would call “fun” – but I do it extremely well and it pays the bills and has a sweet benefits package.
…more importantly, it gives me the time and space to pursue things that I find challenging and enjoyable.
And perhaps THAT is what is important to a satisfactory life – making the effort to pursue things that you find challenging…rather than activities that you find easy.
References
Agassi, A. (2009) Open: An Autobiography. New York. Alfred A. Knopf / Random House, Inc.
Boomer, L. Glouberman, M., and Orenstein, A. (February 2001). Hal Quits. Malcolm in the Middle. Retrieved January 14, 2010, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0640331/maindetails
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