What if I said you could choose a different subject, just like you would choose a piece of
furniture, and that you don't need it forever? What if, at some point, you can change it to something else? Would you believe me? Would you try it?
I find it very interesting how, at a very young age, we are put in brackets of what we are
good at, one that probably defines the direction our lives will take. I was good at math
during middle school; I remember having a teacher that explained everything in a way that
made so much sense to me. However, when I went to high school with a major in literature
and arts, maths was my worst grade; I couldn’t get it! Did this make me feel like I was just
bad at it? Yes. More than that, I lost interest. I felt stupid for not being able to understand it.
I remember the teacher saying, “Do you get it now?” and even if I didn’t, I would say yes so
that the pressure of not being good enough, not being smart enough, would pass.
If we are told we are not good at something, does it give us, perhaps subconsciously,
the idea that we should move on to something else?
Of course, I never wanted to be a mathematician, but what if I did? I was told I wasn't good
at it, so why waste my time? Do we choose our careers based on what we are told we are
good at or what we want to do?
I have always followed my passion for music, singing, and songwriting even though I wasn't
told I was the best at it. I remember hearing my piano teacher talk to my mother and tell
her that I was mediocre, but my brother was so much better; I was ten years old! In high
school, I was never taken seriously as a singer. My best friend at the time and I would study
and audition like crazy for the school shows. One of our music teachers talked about us in
front of the class and said, “those two are here for acting”. That comment broke our hearts,
but it wasn’t going to stop me.
I don’t know what made me not pay attention to what people thought about my singing. I
thought it was just an obstacle and that both the next song and performance will be better.
I still think like this today. Many friends have told me they have no idea what they should be
doing with their lives; perhaps they fell into their careers and just kept going. We all have
dreams of growing up and of being somebody, but at some point, that dream is killed
because we chose to listen to what people say instead of what feels right.
My conversation with Kay (from my podcast “Do it your way”) was a real learning
experience. She talks about her journey, from listening to what felt right later on in life and
how this change created a new career and a new way of life.
Ask yourself right now: am I living the life I want? Am I in the process of living the life I
want? What is your answer? What does your gut tell you? If the answer is no, what changes
can you start making? Little things can start to make a difference. Even just asking yourself
this question can provoke a feeling. Perhaps you are thinking of a million different reasons
and excuses of why you can't do it, and to that, I would say: how has it been working for
you?
Let’s continue this conversation. Join me on my socials and
email Theandreadee@gmail.com. This could be the start of something big!