We all think we are special, that we deserve a trophy and award just for our mere presence. We think we are exceptional, enlightened, destined for greatness and that we are anything but average. I’ve fallen into this trap myself, thinking I’m beyond the masses, that everyone else was beneath me.
I’m here to tell you that you are not that fucking special! You are not going to get a promotion when you just got hired somewhere, you don’t deserve a raise for doing nothing and you are not entitled to anything. Yes, I know you have been told by your parents, coaches, teachers and professors that you are this special snowflake and you get a trophy just for participation, but that’s not the real world.
I see it everyday, a recent college grad with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt believes that society now owes them. They feel like every job is beneath them and that they should immediately become the boss. I’m sorry that society lied to you, but to be successful you actually have to put in hard work. You have to be willing to do what nobody wants to do and make other peoples lives easier. The more people you help…your boss, your co-workers, customers…the more you will become successful.
This isn’t going to be easy and this isn’t going to happen overnight, you have to be patient. We can’t all be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates as much as you think that you will be. You can still have an amazing life, but it’s not going to be handed to you. You will have to claw and fight your way to be someone. Just remember it’s not a race and you still have time, you’re life is not over at 23 like some of you may think.
I hear some of you saying that I’m just older and bitter. I totally get it, I was idealistic too at one point. Just remember there is this thing called reality. There’s always exceptions out there, there always be people who defy the odds and become someone who will be famous, rich and remembered in history. Just realize that it’s probably not going to be you and that’s ok. You aren’t a failure if you don’t create the next Facebook or don’t become a billionaire.
The world owes you nothing and will try to take the little bit that you do have. It’s time to realize this and stop thinking this is like grade school. This is real life and it’s not always pretty. Now get out there and actually be exceptional and stop just acting like you are.