[cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][cs_text]There have been many studies correlating one’s environment growing up to one’s success later in life. From parental support to economic status, there are factors that do affect us as we are growing up – the less supportive and less economically one is the less likely one is to succeed. It is harder to show your talents if all you can afford are a few potatoes, a couple of wires and a small bulb for your science project. Compare that to someone else who has access to 3D computer rocket modeling, 3D printing and manufacturing, high-profile engineers as resources and the support of parents. There is no doubt the rocket student has the advantage. The question then becomes is the potato student destined to fail?
Alongside the many studies done regarding success and the home environment are advocates who work to help the potato students get the same advantage as the rocket students. While the goal is admirable, and something I agree with, their approach at times counter the goal. To bring awareness to the community and student statistics are used that show one is less likely to succeed if there is no money or parental support. These are constantly being quoted, almost becoming a mantra. While this may be true it does no good if that is all that is presented.
The Problem
Imagine you are a student that is disadvantaged. Now listen to what you hear constantly. “You are less likely to succeed.” “You are less likely to succeed.” “You are less likely to succeed.” After a while that mantra can easily become in the mind of the student, “You are not going to succeed.” “You are not going to succeed.” “You are not going to succeed.” This is not good, not good at all. There is no inherent motivation in pointing out disparities and one’s less likelihood to succeed. There is, however, an inherent discouragement in such statements.
Self esteem among the disadvantaged tend to be lower. One regularly hears, “You’re not good enough. You’re not smart enough. No body cares.” These statements are terrible and often come from family, classmates, neighbors, and unfortunately sometimes teachers. Add to those the mantra of “You are less likely to succeed.” and it does not take long for one to be discouraged and unmotivated. When these are gone no amount of external help will suffice.
Motivation
Success is not built in the studies that correlate home environment and success. It is rather built in motivation. Instead of spouting “You are less likely to succeed.” it may be better to say, “You may have a longer road ahead but if you want it, go for it.” Acknowledge the circumstances, do not ignore them, but do not let them dictate where one can go.
Motivation is not in the mantra of where one is at or where one is likely to go because of their circumstances. Motivation is about acknowledging the circumstances but seeing a bigger goal beyond those circumstances. It is about figuring out where one wants to go, finding those good ways to achieve that destination, and working toward it. It is motivation that can take one out of the high-crime neighborhoods. It is motivation that changes one from being raised by non-supportive parents to being a supportive parent themselves. It is motivation that changes people’s lives, not statistics. Motivate to where one can go, do not bloviate where one is at.
Why does this matter?
What does this have to do with getting to one’s passions? Everything. Motivation is a huge part of pursuing one’s passions. Motivation extends beyond wanting to learn French or being part of a curling club. Motivation is what drives us to learn what is better, to work toward better, to be better. Motivation is a necessary tool in achieving our goals. If motivation is lost early in life, if it is not offered as a tool, if it is not expounded on then what is there that causes us to better? Motivation matters.
Motivation has been a huge part of my life. Having had periods of my life in that disadvantaged group I can attest to the power in motivation. I understood that I had disadvantages, that I did not always have the resources of my classmates. Yet, I never thought of myself as one of those less likely to succeed. I have always believed that one’s potential can overcome one’s circumstance. My life has shown it, other’s I have known have shown it, and your life can show it to. We are not destined to fail, no matter our circumstance, but let us be motivated to succeed!
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]