Low Self Esteem Or Realistic?
By robspeakman
@robspeakman (1700)
February 13, 2013 6:15pm CST
Does anybody remember at school being told that you can be anything you want to be?
No you can't
You can be an astronaut or an actor - Unlikely
You can be an Olympic gold medalist or a World cup winner - Again, unlikely.
I knew from a very early age that I was generally crap.
That is fine, because most of the people on the planet are crap
We are rubbish at sport, we can't sing and we are never going to light up Hollywood
Sorry if I might have knocked your confidence a little, but I am right...yeah?
In the UK about 15 years ago, the Government of the time told every child that they could go to University.
On the surface this was a good plan because it took away the elitism of University.
In reality, millions went to University doing stupid courses...
....Media studies, Criminolgy, Klingon and Golf Course management(True)
Pointless degrees and qualifications, not needed for the inevitable career in fast food.
Crap people told by other crap people that they can be whatever they like - Hilarious.
A small percentage of the population will be Astronauts, Actors, Singers, Sportstars or serial killers - This is down to talent or luck.
There is nothing wrong with you or me. It is perfectly noble to work in an ordinary job - we will all play our part in society.
All that matters is that when we get to our final day, we can say...
The kids are fine and we did OK
Don't waste your money on self help books - pointless
2 people like this
9 responses
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
15 Feb 13
Honestly I was never told I can be whatever I wanted to be. I went to Catholic school and they basically told us we were all going to hell. They hated everyone there. We are always called stupid or dumb by the nuns. What a confidence builder. So, as a result, any kind of dream I had went out the window. I went to school, finished high school and then started working. Never became anything special. Now I am not saying I would have been, but because we were always put down and bashed in school, what was there to strive for? I think a child should hear from time to time that they can do anything. Nothing is impossible really. Again, not saying they ever will become famous, but at least they will still have their dreams. And whatever they do wind up doing, at least they won't feel bitter about it. I do agree, not everyone is cut out to be something special. Only a select few. And there is nothing wrong with working a regular job. It is noble and honest work. But it would be good for everyone to do the best at what they do.
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
15 Feb 13
I was there the whole 8 years. I did go to public high school. And even then, the catholic school screwed me over. When my records were sent to high school, the high school put me in all remedial classes. That was until my guidance counselor changed all that. But they did break your spirit. Horrible people they were.
@fransmonlot (411)
• United States
16 Dec 15
Wow! Sorry to hear that! That sounds awful!
We are all special in our own way.
Your life is not over be the special person you always wanted to be! :)
@robspeakman (1700)
•
15 Feb 13
Ah yes Catholic School - nothing shatters dreams and aspirations like five days a week of being belittled and mocked by religious nutjobs.
I left Catholic school at 12 years old after telling my mother that I didn't believe in her gibberish anymore.
1 person likes this
@robspeakman (1700)
•
15 Feb 13
Obviously the idea of being crap and embracing the crapness of oneself is a British thing
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
5 Mar 13
I agree with you, why give false hopes? Why lie about reality? I don't see a point in it...
I was told I could be a singer one day because I am good at it. Yeah, they just didn't mention that I had to be RICH to start with to get places to audition and be at the right place at the right time. Bunch of liars.
@robspeakman (1700)
•
5 Mar 13
Thanks for commenting.
I do get what you mean.
In the UK as a schoolboy, I was told that I could play football(soccer) professionally and I should go for a trial with my local team.
So I went along to the next open day.... so did 500 other 13 year olds who had been told they could play professionally.
I am not a professionally footballer 
@fransmonlot (411)
• United States
16 Feb 13
Hello Rob
On some level I agree with you. Like when you say we should be honest with ourselves and accept our normal job. But I don't agree that we should give up our high dreams. Dreams are what keeps us alive. From trying to make our dream come true we learn a lot about ourselves like what our strengths and weaknesses are. Even when we fail at our dreams at least we try. Life is about living the best life that you can. When you begin and end your day with a smile then your living your best life. Life is short so be happy. I think the right kind of self-help book can bring a smile to your face and make you happy.I don't think self-help books are a waste of money you can use them to your benefit.
@fransmonlot (411)
• United States
16 Dec 15
@robspeakman Yes dreams definitely puts color in our mundane life! Of course keep a grip on reality for safety!
@robspeakman (1700)
•
16 Feb 13
Nothing wrong with dreaming, a dream is nice and offers a release from the mundane...
However, try to keep a grip on reality
@mondaylover (183)
• Poland
15 Feb 13
You're a bit pessimistic, aren't you? Also you are taking way too serious a phrase that was used to encourage kids to planning their future. It's true that you can't be a singer or famous actor just because you want it but if you work hard then you can achieve a lot in life. And it's not like half of the human population wants to be hollywood stars. Of course it would be cool if to sing in front of thousands of fans or play a role of a Johny Depp next love interest but those are just fantasies. Most people doesn't consider it while makings serious plans for their future.
@robspeakman (1700)
•
15 Feb 13
Realistic - There is nothing wrong with working in a shop or being a waiter, Why waste time on a future that will never be achieved
@mondaylover (183)
• Poland
15 Feb 13
Fighting for your future isn't waste of time and it always pay off somehow because you're doing it for yourself. I'm currently studing on a University and I keep hearing that it will be hard to find a job after I graduate. But you know what? There must be job for someone so why not for me? Why can't I be the one who gets employed? No one will tell me that I can't achieve it. Only I can explore my possibilities and eventually learn about my limitations.
@robspeakman (1700)
•
15 Feb 13
You have to be realistic about your future.
Too many people pat their daughters on the head and say "Yes, Princess - you can do anything you want"
When in reality many will end up pregnant at 16 and never achieve anything.
That really happens - Don't you think that these people wasted time with dreams?
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
14 Feb 13
For most of this I totally agree, except for the "self help books" comment. Or maybe it is "do it yourself" books that I like. I help myself by learning to do it myself. Sure enough, the best "self help" book I have read lately was a short chic lit novel, but I could see myself in it.
I agree that only certain people have these stand out professions, and actually, I do not want any of them. I did not want to be an actor, or an astronaut, or a politician of any sort. Or a teacher. I was and am what I wanted to be, a mom and grandma. . . however I have to do other stuff to pay the bills. I am very real on that topic.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
14 Feb 13
You mean that my degree in underwater basket weaving isn't enough to get me into astronaut school? Now you tell me! I'll just have to stick with being a horse burger flipper at 'equines R us'. That's what comes of letting polly tishins ruin the country. Parliament for David Beckham studies graduates I say. Bring in the bling.
@redredrose (1105)
• United States
15 Feb 13
Schools here in the US are terrible. Now i don't have kids but i have 2 nephews and a niece and they are so smart because of the things they learn at home and on the computer and what their parents and grandparents teach them outside of school. Other countries are so much better off educationally than us because while in say a country in Africa they go to school in a hut and don't worry about whose wearing what type of clothes and they are not told to be tolerant of so and so because of such and such a thing they are actually learning. In most countries they don't worry about who wears what or who looks like what and they don't say everyone goes to the next level or grade no matter their grades or if they can read or not. In some countries if you are unable to read you fail stay in the grade til you can read or write or pass. It's not like here where they say nobody left behind but someone is getting left behind just by going on to the next grade without knowing how to properly read or write or do things and that to me is being left behind in ways.
