F**CKING ACHIEVERS…!
Around Australia, there seems to be a culture, a national solidarity in ‘hating on’ people (high profile or not) that have made something for themselves. Tall poppy syndrome is the disease that has burdened us since our teenage years. And I believe it potentially stops us from over achieving or even just, achieving.
Why do we constantly have to cut down individuals that strive to achieve something of merit? It’s a confidence thing. For example, I am 24, if someone my age especially younger were to write a book or have nice car or house, my default thought (and I hate that I think this) is where did they get the money from?? for the lessons or the training or the equipment or the….etcetera, as if they have been gifted some sort of advantage.
I have to blame someone for this way of thinking but Im not sure who, because I cannot remember the first time I stated to think like this.
Could it be a Class?? I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, very working class. Both parents worked…hard, started work my self at 14 but I did receive a private education. Not really a ‘school of hard knocks’ tale.
Could It Be Money?? My attitude towards the wealthy at the time was questionable. Have they made it all themselves?, have they inherited it?, what gives them the right to look down on ‘westies’? They’re not famous!….just as un-famous as I. Seems like jealousy, as if I was missing out on private lacrosse lessons and purple Lacoste polos.
Could it be Opportunity?? Sure the rich kids may have had the extra coin to buy a few study trips to Paris, or symphony tickets to Prague, but I still had regular soccer trips to Paramatta. We are all Australian, not exactly in a third world country.
Well none of those………I give up (and if someone else finds the reason I will eternally hate them)
At 24, I believe it to be the surrounds you grow up in that shape your attitude to achievement and deserved success. If you have worked hard to have what you have whether it be money or fame then you deserve it.
People will always complain, its in our nature but the best way to ‘move forward’ is to accept there is always going to be some better than you.