Ever since we were young, we've all heard the adage that we can achieve our dreams if we keep going at it and never give up. If there are obstacles along the way, then we can work around them or go through them. In addition, we were told that we should never let another person(s) tell us that we can't do something.
Is this adage true?
I've known a few friends who are very intelligent good people. However, they were never given any opportunities to prove themselves. They've tried really hard to get what they want only to have a lot of their hopes crushed time and time again. What should they do (differently)? What can I do to help them?
2007-08-22 16:48:57 · 9 answers · asked by Mr. Main Event 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The world's really messed up nowadays, and that's no longer possible.
But maybe that's just a negative view on things.
There are people living in poverty in third-world countries that could "achieve their dreams", but more than likely, in their position, it's not gonna happen.
You could look at it in different ways, though.
2007-08-22 16:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by Jazzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taken at its base value, that adage would imply that anyone could have Michael Jordan's basketball skills or Albert Einstein's intelligence with the right amount of effort. Do we believe this?
I don't think that's sensible. I think there's always going to be a mix of nature and nurture that determines who we are at any time and who we can be. What brings us to any point in our lives is a combination of our experiences up to that point and who our parents were (in the genetic sense). So no, not everyone can be Jordan or Einstein, but we can all probably do a lot more than we give ourselves credit for; that thought is probably the inspiration for that adage.
2007-08-23 00:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by bobbypk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Opportunities are not "given". Opportunity is created by those who have the imagination, optimism and guts to keep slugging away toward a goal until it happens. Every single extremely successful man and women state in interviews and research that THE most important advice that they would give your friends is to NEVER give up, to be PERSISTENT. That is the test. That is what separates the mice from the men. What should your friends do? They should try harder. That sounds harsh. But, it all boils down to that . . .trying HARDER.
2007-08-23 00:01:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
my goal in life is to do well but im trying to avoid that whole... proving myself thing, besides the fact that i need to prove that i can make money and live on my own. as of now, im on the football team, an offensive linemen who weighs 140 pounds, dont i have something to prove, am i right? well, i ask, do they even need to prove themselves for anything? just excel at their job, help others and be recognized... though that adage is mostly true, most of the words "they" forced into us were crap and we all know it
2007-08-23 00:22:47 · answer #4 · answered by ceesteris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think of the people you hear about are the people who pursued their dreams and successed, but unfortunately there are alot of people who deligently pursued their dreams and they didn't come to pass. But the thought is that you can never succeed at a goal or dream if you don't pursue it. Not all dreams works out, but if you don't try they definitely won't work out. The saying that the only failed dreams are the ones you don't pursue is true. That dream may not come true,but another one might present itself that is something you would enjoy must more. All you can do is to be supportive of your friends.
2007-08-22 23:58:30 · answer #5 · answered by LAL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Achieving your dreams seems to be a confluence of ability and opportunity. You can be the best in the world at something, but if you were born in the wrong country, you might not have the best opportunity to advance your career.
2007-08-22 23:55:07 · answer #6 · answered by skpicky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perseverance being a valuable asset, I can see why it's a popular adage. As far as helping your friends goes, you know 'em. You're the best judge of how to help.
2007-08-23 00:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them the should keep on trying because they will understand the joy of accomplishments and they wouldn't feel this if the never had problems. Try, Try, Try.
2007-08-22 23:56:59 · answer #8 · answered by mary 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well adults tell children that to boost their confidence to help them out but when you become an adult you realize that the world is not that fair so it is not true however your "friends" can go for something else or try again but study harder or whatever they need to do
2007-08-22 23:55:10 · answer #9 · answered by The_Info_Ninja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋