Legend Status
A few days ago I came across a kid wearing this shirt. He was probably around nine or ten years old and proudly displaying his 'legend' status on his chest. He obviously must have done something pretty special to have achieved such a status at his young age. After all, according to Merriam-Webster a legend falls under one of the following:
I highlighted the definition which appears to be most likely in relation to his status as noted on his shirt. Interestingly, he did not appear to be famous nor important to the general public. Assuming so; since there were no body guards, paparazzi or general following around him. He was probably with his parents, who I am certain hold him in the highest regard, but this status appears to be a bit inflated overall.
That is when his life flashed before my eyes... a life filled with let down and disappointment. After all, where is one to go after Legend? Could there be a loftier title in their future? How does clerk, account executive, manager, even vice president or CEO sound after Legend? It sounds depressing and would probably seem like an embarrassment to one who held such a high position in their parents eyes.
Sure, the shirt is meant to be a bit tongue and cheek, but what are we really saying to our youth? Are we telling them to value hard work and that it is okay to fail? Are we giving them reasonable expectations to fulfill as a youth or are we inflating egos and building them up to beyond any hope of success down the road. I have no doubt these moves are meant with the best intentions, but really all kids need is quality time and kind words. This time is what they will reach for when things get tough and feel like they cannot carry on. Times that they can escape to and reminisce on when they need it. Kind words to build them up and provide a solid foundation to build upon. A foundation that stands strong through an erosion of doubt and a world full of critics. This is what we all need. Something to sustain and drive us as we go about our life's purpose. It guides us as we plan our careers, goals and interactions with others. It is the model that we pass down to others.
Self worth does not come from a shirt. It comes from those who love us, and from how we view ourselves. It comes from doing hard work. It comes from making it through the valleys in our life to experience the mountaintops. If you want to give something to the youth around you, don't give them a t-shirt. Give them something far more important and long lasting. Give them your time and sincere words of encouragement. Invest in others regardless of their age or point in life. We all need it.
Start at home or pick a place in your community to get involved.
Headline? I don't need no stinkin' headline!
9 年Well done, James! I think that we often confuse encouragement with ego-inflation and that's a slippery slope; It's very relatable to "Trophies for All, No Score Kept" syndrome. What happens when you add this to the fact that so many forces in a childs life discourage them from taking any sort of risks, calculated or otherwise?
TSQL and Power BI
9 年Doesn't the media rain down fiery magma on people who propose common sense? I fear for you James your post could be career ending. I shouldn't post anything more, I need to go work on my celebration gyrations and pelvic-thrusting for when I nail a mid-court 3-pointer. But not sure how the celebration will look being that I lack the strength and accuracy to make the shot... Well, here's to me being legendary!!!