Success- A Cliche

 

I got the idea of this title from another article which explains the role of stereotypes as a determiner in performance. It goes on to explain how a woman will perform poorly in mathematics because they have been led to believe that women don’t do well in the subject. However, if she is Asian and identifies herself as Asian before she will perform better in the subject, as per common stereotypes that Asians are better in Mathematics. I found this very interesting.

Professor Alex Haslam of the University of Ester goes on to stress the power of stereotypes should not be underestimated. Our perception of ourselves and our perception about what others think about us plays an important role in our success. He insists on using stereotypes as an opportunity to progress rather than a threat. They are not written in stone and can be undone.

A good example in this context is a cliché about children nowadays. I remember in one of my sessions on Parenting, I was asked was our time better when we did as we were told and did not have the courage to challenge our parents. Parents were considered the final authority on any subject. I find this very intriguing, for one reason because this cliché is passed on with every generation. Our times versus this time.

Success is also like that our time versus this time. Just like the rules of parenting do not apply for obvious reasons like change in the role of Parents as knowledge providers, levels of exposure and awareness level, success is also changing definitions. A research study by Unite Students, a leading provider in student accommodation in the UK in their report titled, A students Yearbook 2019: Snapshot of student life debunks some myths. A cliché about successful student life also involves active social life, many friends etc. along with grades. Sometimes that is the make or break point for some students. The report suggests a shift in focus to environmental consciousness and students opting for classes versus partying. The stereotypes of success are slowly being shattered.

Going back to Mark Twain’s quote on success, my good friend Amita Parwal who is also a Public Speaking and Communication Coach believes that too much knowledge can be detrimental to instinctive thinking. This came as an insight to me because I grew up believing knowledge is power, another cliché.

Cliché and Stereotypes are closer to us then we imagine. We deal with them every day. The frustration about these stereotypes is that it hits where it hurts most. Take this one for example, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Why miss? A person like me would first get into that. Do you think I will miss, what do you think I am doing wrong, Do you feel what I am doing is even worth doing? Why am even looking at the moon?

But that’s me. But even for people who don’t delve into negativity might feel bogged down by the prospect. One always tries hard for success. Success is nothing but an outcome for continuous and persistent focus.n

One needs to explain this. Success is not about the moon or stars or goal for that matter. Success is about waiting, and enjoying every day while waiting. Success is getting frustrated and jealous and wishful and yet wanting to go on and not giving up.

To quote Amita again, Success to her is being happy on how her day turns out. Another reader, whose name remains Unknown, more because of website issue, I guess, feels success is personal and definition changes with the situation.  The observation is very pertinent. A student might want to succeed in sports or academics or his simple aim could be to not to come within the firing range of teacher. That is a success for some then. It was for me when I did not complete my work.

Corona has given us another parameter. Stay safe, and stay calm. Doing that on an everyday basis is a success.

What is your success today?