Have you ever felt like somebody is always outshining you? Is there that one person in your life who you have a constant competition with whether they know it or not? Or, does it feel like everybody around you is outshining you? Are you the slowest runner on your soccer team for example? Has anybody tried to encourage you by saying you’re the underdog but some day you will have your time to shine? Did you dismiss them because you thought it would never be true?
It is true.
It can happen.
You can shine.
You have to make it your time to shine. You might have to run twice as long, as far, as hard to catch up, but you can do it.This limit in speed, like anything else, is self imposed. The world is all how you see it. Often, to change your view you must change your habits. Excitingly, changing your habits can also change the views of others. Then, not only will you stop seeing yourself as the underdog but others will see your progress as well.
Do you ever feel like you’re the best? Like you’re the ultimate (blank) at what you do? Do you feel like nobody can stop you or top you? Do others constantly tell you how amazing you are? Or, do you just know it is true because it can’t be any other way? What would you do if somebody came along and decided to threaten your territory? Who and what would you protect? What would you work to maintain/preserve? How would you make sure that you stayed on top?
Greatness is also a limit we impose on ourselves. “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Additionally, greatness is a privilege, even if you were born great. Just because you were born great doesn’t mean somebody else wasn’t or won’t be in the future. Look at the greats of times passed, how would they feel if everything they did died with them because nobody could match their abilities?
Pride is an earthly thing. It presents itself in myths and other fantasy realms, but it is an earthly concept. Pride doesn’t matter when all that’s left is your body (and soul). You can be the alpha male so to speak your entire life, but one you’re gone, that’s gone too. If somebody came along and instead of threatening your territory, wanted to learn from you? Wanted to train to carry on your legacy once you’re gone, what would you do?
The fact is, we are all underdogs and alpha males at some point in our lives. There will always be something we’re really good at and something we’re really not so good at. In some cases, both good and bad talents are left to be discovered. When some one comes along to tell you you’re too good, you’re not good enough, or anything in between listen. Chances are, when you work to be how you want that person to see you, you will do nothing but improve yourself. You just have to be smart about it, and you should practice humility.
She’s Got a Whole PhD 