Conscious Creative

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March 24, 2024

Design

"Lessons from 'You Are Not Special': Why Did I Sit Up Straight?"

I was reading the book, and unlike other times, I wasn’t feeling sleepy. To stay awake, I sat up straight. You see, my sitting position can either make me feel drowsy or alert.

So, why did I choose to sit straight and avoid feeling drowsy?

The chapter in the book begins with the story of a guy named Jimmy. He’s been spoiled by this society that always promotes being special. Jimmy believed that if he could get this or that, he’d win and become rich.

This way of thinking has been around since the 1970s, according to the book. It’s all about the idea of having “high self-esteem.” People, especially parents, started telling their kids only positive things and avoided the truth or facts.

How is this Relevant in India?

Indians have a unique way of thinking. I was discussing this with my mom after she and my sister went to see the movie “Leo.”

While talking about why the movie didn’t match my expectations, the topic of “No one is special in this world” came up. My point was that no successful person achieved greatness by thinking they were extraordinary. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

My mom, on the other hand, said, “When I look at my son or want to encourage my child, I compare them to Lord Krishna or some of our favorite mythological characters.” It’s okay to do this to a certain extent. But, if it goes too far, it can make the child think that their mom is praising them as if they were as extraordinary as those mythical characters. This can stick in their minds. And later in life, when they face reality, they might feel down, stressed, and disappointed.

If any parents or people who believe in “high self-esteem” are reading this, please treat your kids as ordinary and show them the truth. It doesn’t matter if they are boys or girls; give them responsibilities. It’s responsibilities that shape the world, and that’s the reality.

Reality f*cks bro!!!

I was reading the book, and unlike other times, I wasn’t feeling sleepy. To stay awake, I sat up straight. You see, my sitting position can either make me feel drowsy or alert.

So, why did I choose to sit straight and avoid feeling drowsy?

The chapter in the book begins with the story of a guy named Jimmy. He’s been spoiled by this society that always promotes being special. Jimmy believed that if he could get this or that, he’d win and become rich.

This way of thinking has been around since the 1970s, according to the book. It’s all about the idea of having “high self-esteem.” People, especially parents, started telling their kids only positive things and avoided the truth or facts.

How is this Relevant in India?

Indians have a unique way of thinking. I was discussing this with my mom after she and my sister went to see the movie “Leo.”

While talking about why the movie didn’t match my expectations, the topic of “No one is special in this world” came up. My point was that no successful person achieved greatness by thinking they were extraordinary. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

My mom, on the other hand, said, “When I look at my son or want to encourage my child, I compare them to Lord Krishna or some of our favorite mythological characters.” It’s okay to do this to a certain extent. But, if it goes too far, it can make the child think that their mom is praising them as if they were as extraordinary as those mythical characters. This can stick in their minds. And later in life, when they face reality, they might feel down, stressed, and disappointed.

If any parents or people who believe in “high self-esteem” are reading this, please treat your kids as ordinary and show them the truth. It doesn’t matter if they are boys or girls; give them responsibilities. It’s responsibilities that shape the world, and that’s the reality.

Reality f*cks bro!!!

Jai Vignesh - Product Designer and Framer Developer

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