The Success Mindset
If you know that you will be shitty at doing something and you won’t get better at it ever, would you still do it?
This has been my thought process for a long time. For instance, I wanted to start writing blogs, but when I looked at the plethora of well-written blogs online, I immediately felt that it was an endeavour I shouldn't pursue because I would never be as good as them. What would be the point? Moreover, people have always told me that I'm a terrible writer. My school teacher didn't give good grades to my writing, and no one ever praised my work. However, it dawned on me that this way of thinking leads to nothing because no one ever said that you shouldn't do something just because you're bad at it.
I think it can sometimes be dangerous if we only do the things that people say we are good at. For example, I have always been told I am good at art and design. While I enjoyed working on art and design, there were many times where I would steer my artistic direction towards what my art teachers or tutors suggested simply because they thought I would excel in that direction. Even my entire career direction was based on this. I chose architecture as a career at a young age simply because I had been told I was talented in art and design. However, I eventually realized that I didn't genuinely like this profession after investing 8 years in it, despite winning awards and achieving good grades. What I am trying to say is that the thing you are good at or will succeed in is different from what you actually want to do.
As a person who grew up in Hong Kong, constantly exposed to cost-benefit analysis from a young age, I've been conditioned to always think about whether each action leads to success. This success mindset has made us forget that we are allowed to do things simply because we want to. In today's fast-paced and success-driven society, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of achievements. However, letting go of the success mindset allows us to embrace the true essence of our passions. It enables us to engage in activities purely for the pleasure they bring, rather than seeking external validation. By shifting our perspective, we can rekindle the childlike curiosity and enthusiasm that initially inspired us.
We shouldn't forget that success is not solely about achievement; it is also about the happiness and satisfaction we derive from doing what we love. So what if you suck at singing? Just sing when you want to. So what if you're terrible at photography? Take photos if it brings you joy. So what if you struggle with socializing? Share what you must share. I believe we should embrace our uniqueness, even if it means being a bad singer, and share it with the world. Ultimately, our worth lies not in the approval of others, but in our own authentic expression.
