What If You're Just Like Them
Pick Your Role Models Wisely
I had a lot of teachers and coaches in my life, who I connected with personally. I played basketball for many teams and went to four different schools. So many people told me what to do. It was too much.
I tried to make everyone happy, but I forgot to make myself happy. I cared more about what others thought than what I thought.
My teachers and coaches taught me good things. They helped me be who I am now. But not all of them were great.
After realizing I was trying too hard to please others, I started to see how this problem is common in society. Many people are not happy with themselves, and if I follow their expectations, I’ll end up unhappy too.
Marcus wrote about this is book 8 of Meditations:
“You want praise from people who kick themselves every fifteen minutes, the approval of people who despise themselves” (8.53)
Most people are sad and not healthy. It's rare to find someone who really likes themselves.
If I try to live how others want, I'll end up like them. If they're not happy, I won't be happy either.
This might sound tough, but it's true. If you want to be like everyone else, think about what that means. Being normal is not always good.
If you’re a Big Nerd, I bet you want more than just normal. You’re a man (or woman) in a book club for pete’s sake… you are not normal.
Evaluate the people you look up to. Do they live the life you want? Are they happy? Or do they just take interest in you?
Be careful who you look up to. You might become them sooner than you think.
Brains Gains
Who’s your biggest role model? Has their guidance been helpful?
Go live a day that’s anything but normal. Smile a hundred times. Laugh from your belly. AND do hard work.
That’s not normal! And neither are you.
Your Biggest Fan,
Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski
PS. Today, November 17th’s Reading: Pages 121-128