Why you WILL NOT win a Nobel Prize
Are you aiming for something down-to-earth like becoming a billionaire, founding the next Unicorn startup, or sculpting six-pack abs like a Greek god? Whatever your big dream is, I salute you, but grab a chair; it's time for a reality check.
Billionaires? 1 in approx. 2 million, depending on who's counting. Founding a Unicorn startup? Considering there are around 1200 in existence, is it a lot? The ratio is 3 in 5 million companies. Laughing yet? As for those six-pack abs? Given that roughly 1.5 billion people are considered overweight, even the calculator is rolling its eyes.
Ah, but you're an optimist! You don't care about numbers, statistics, or common sense. You live on dreams, passion, and a good ol' can-do attitude. That's fantastic. But here's a wet blanket: the fact is that greatness at everything isn't in the cards for everyone. As much as we might wish, most of us won't suddenly transform into the next Prime Minister or beat Usain Bolt's record. Sad, but true.
So what's the lesson here? In the intoxicating race towards our dreams, we often confuse what we CAN do with what we WILL do. You CAN win a lottery, but WILL you? You CAN beat Usain Bolt, but WILL you? Focusing on the CAN is fun and intoxicating; facing the WILL is a sobering slap of reality. But here's a secret: the small, mundane, repetitive, and often tedious tasks are what might lead you to your CAN. MIGHT, but don’t plan your life around it, though, unless you're into betting your house on a lottery ticket.
The most precious victories often aren't the lofty ones, but the small, daily triumphs that lead to personal growth and fulfilment. Like remembering to call a friend on their birthday, a drink Cheers'd with an old pal, a skill gained, or finally managing to keep a houseplant alive. High five! And maybe, just maybe, that's prize enough.
In the end, here's a nugget of wisdom from the Bhagwad Gita,
"You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but don't be hooked on the fruits", "कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन"
Coming from the God itself. So there you have it. Dream big, aim high, but keep those feet grounded. And if you catch that rare Black Swan? Congratulations, but don't forget to feed the cat.