Just the way you are

So, this is my first official blog post. Thank you, thank you. I am finally a part of the blogosphere. I am not really sure what this blog will be, but I am excited to find out. I am limiting myself to posts about my top 3 interests: Business, Leadership and Technology. I may post the occasional funny video, or anything else I may just find interesting.

Well.... here goes nothing.

I was listening to a song on the radio today, and the lyrics said something close to... "you are great just the way you are..."  This seemed a really nice notion to me at first, especially because the song referenced physical attributes (her pretty face...etc). I am all for having a positive self image. The pressure of physical perfection, and the litany of disorders that spring from it is heartbreaking.

For some reason I couldn't stop thinking about that idea, and it stuck with me all day. It seems to be a very popular notion, and one that was not unfamiliar to me. I finally realized why I had such a problem with it.

The idea that we are "great just the way we are" can mean one of two things:
1. We are like Marry Poppins (Practically perfect in nearly every way).
2. We are lazy and have given up on self-improvement.

I tend to think those that espouse this idea fall into the second category. They want to be great just the way they are because that means that they do not have to change or improve. They lower the bar so that they do not have to achieve or become any more than what they have already become. They abandon the idea that they can become something better or greater.

Although I think that this notion is intended to be positive, it is so often an excuse for poor conduct. Anyone who has watched even the smallest bit of reality television has witnessed some poor participant remark, "Well, thats just who I am..." after a fit of shameful behavior.

That being said, those who neglect responsibility in the foolish pursuit of something "better" (think of the 50 year old with bad knees who still thinks he might get drafted to the NFL) are just as disappointing.

I love the entire university experience for this reason. I am surrounded (for the most part) by people who are struggling, striving, failing, succeeding, but most of all trying, to be more than they are. They are trying to better themselves, and in turn, all of their communities. They are pushing their limits, and growing in knowledge, wisdom and experience.

Now the question: Would you rather be content and have your potential unfulfilled, or discontent but striving to fulfill your potential?

Hmmmm.....

More to come on this idea as it develops.