When you compare yourself to your peers you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
I remember a time when my name was put into the newspaper for academic accomplishments. Being recognized by my community for my hard work was a good feeling. One of my peers just recently recieved recognition from our undergrad alma mater: Graduate of the Last Decade Award at Valdosta State University. I'm really happy, too, to see that he's an African American man as well. Not many AA men are recognized for academic achievements.
"GOLD Award recipients are chosen by the Valdosta State University Alumni Association Board. To be eligible, potential recipients must exhibit high character in their professions and communities within 10 years of graduation."
And this he has done!!! As I read this newspaper article I became floored at his numerous accomplishments!! I knew he did great work but I didn't know he had did that much! Purely conicidental but I went to the same Graduate school as he to pursue my masters in publc health. This grad school was closer to home. He had graduated 2 years before I had began the program. I had always heard great things about him and his character. Always! I knew he must be going places and he even offered me some help on how to pursue my own career after finishing my masters.
But here lies the issue of pumping oneself up for failure... or disappointment. Failure is a strong word. Whenever someone compares themselves to someone else they risk the chance of feeling inadequate or less than worthy. I was a victim of this many times in the past.
This is why I try not to learn too much about other peoples accomplishments. Makes me feel like I've done squat with my life. I'm supposed to be making strides in public health/medical field. This current life isnt' at all what I imagined when I was a 7 year old child. I work hard at finding inner piece but now I need a purpose in life. It's rather hard to grasp.
"GOLD Award recipients are chosen by the Valdosta State University Alumni Association Board. To be eligible, potential recipients must exhibit high character in their professions and communities within 10 years of graduation."
And this he has done!!! As I read this newspaper article I became floored at his numerous accomplishments!! I knew he did great work but I didn't know he had did that much! Purely conicidental but I went to the same Graduate school as he to pursue my masters in publc health. This grad school was closer to home. He had graduated 2 years before I had began the program. I had always heard great things about him and his character. Always! I knew he must be going places and he even offered me some help on how to pursue my own career after finishing my masters.
But here lies the issue of pumping oneself up for failure... or disappointment. Failure is a strong word. Whenever someone compares themselves to someone else they risk the chance of feeling inadequate or less than worthy. I was a victim of this many times in the past.
- "Why aren't I as determined?"
- "Why aren't I as understanding or knowledgeable?"
- "Why aren't I as successful?"
- "Why aren't I as goal oriented?
- "Why aren't I where I feel I'm supposed to be?"
This is why I try not to learn too much about other peoples accomplishments. Makes me feel like I've done squat with my life. I'm supposed to be making strides in public health/medical field. This current life isnt' at all what I imagined when I was a 7 year old child. I work hard at finding inner piece but now I need a purpose in life. It's rather hard to grasp.