There is something called the Tall Poppy Syndrome; people like to cut the tall poppies. They don’t want you to succeed and they cut you down – especially people from your own social class.
Mark Burnett
“Life is unfair! She only made it because someone had her back.”
Yes, you feel shortchanged sometimes, because when you compare your efforts with others, you come up short, especially when it comes to receiving recognition. Resentment then builds up over time against the person, your bosses, the person in authority or even the organization itself.
Whether it is a fact or the truth, it does not matter. Giving in to such thoughts is the key issue. Don’t follow this line of reasoning; It doesn’t bode well nor reflect well on you. If you share it with someone, it is even worse. Now you’re gossiping. How will that help you?
Being a “wet blanket” or “cutting down tall poppies” will not make you feel better about yourself. The frustration just builds up and often it becomes an offense, and soon you’ll feel bitter. These toxic emotions will only cause harm to your body. You don’t need that. It’s not worth getting agitated over it. Believe in yourself. Your time will come one day. If not, it may be time to change, only because you can develop better somewhere else.
Be gracious, celebrate with others when they succeed. That’s the desired attitude. Don’t put others down. If you feel strongly that there was discrimination, and you can handle the consequences of confronting the issue with the person-in-charge, then take courage and sort it out. If you feel that this battle is not necessary because it’s about the bigger picture, then let it slide. You don’t have to win every battle to win the war!
Just remember not to presume on what you think is your right. Don’t have an ‘entitlement’ mindset. Give your best and don’t take for granted opportunities that come your way. It is not about promotion but development. If you’re still growing in terms of acquiring knowledge and practical skills, then those are worth so much more.
Don’t compare yourself with others, everyone should chart their own progress. This is not relative to your colleague’s development. Set your own benchmarks. Measure your success against your own goals not someone else’s. You’re responsible for your own pace. In this way, you’re not taking on unnecessary pressure.
Life is a journey not a 100 meter sprint. What you pick up along the way to build your character is more important than the speed you achieve to reach your goals.
It is not for us to judge how others get to where they are. Putting down other people will only be indirectly putting ourselves down and being labeled a spoiled sport. When its your turn to succeed, we wouldn’t like others to speculate on us either. So why do that to others? Putting someone down doesn’t raise us up. You are better than that. Be the better person, celebrate with others when they do well. In this way you’ll gain more friends than enemies. Isn’t that what life is about?
Artist: Lydia C. Text: Anna G.
The Young Painter
A young apprentice painter, who had just completed his studies under a great painter, was so excited and enthusiastic to showcase his painting skills to the world for approval. He put all his effort into painting a beautiful scenery. It took three days to complete.
After creating the art work he decided to display it on a busy street crossing of a small town, close to where he was staying. He had just one goal – people’s opinion of his painting skills. Below the art work, he attached a card board which read:
“Good day passer-by. I have just painted this piece. I might have committed some mistakes while giving out my best for this project. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake and if possible, please leave a comment.”
Later in the evening when he came back to check on his painting, he was completely discouraged to see the whole canvass filled with ‘X’ (crosses) and some even left negative comments on the painting.
Disappointed and frustrated, he tearfully carried the art work to his master. Sobbing inconsolably, he narrated the ordeal to his master and showed him the pathetic state of his creation, which was filled with crosses and correction remarks.
The young painter began to say negative things to himself,”I’m just so useless and couldn’t make any good of what I’ve learned for three years. I don’t think I’m worthy to be a professional painter. People have rejected my work completely. I hate my life.”
The young artist felt sorry for himself as he thought all hope was lost. But his master smiled and dragged him closer to his chest and gave him some words of encouragement. “My son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting,” he assured the young man.
The master instructed him to paint another painting similar to the first one he did. He assured the young man, that it would be better this time. The young man reluctantly agreed and some days later returned with the second painting. He handed it to his master. His master took it graciously and asked him to follow him.
They went to the same busy spot where his first painting was previously displayed. This time round, his master took out another card board with these words written on it:
“Good day passer-by, I have painted this piece. I might have committed some mistakes while working on this project. I have put a box with colors and brushes below. Please do me a favor, kindly pick up a brush and correct any mistakes you have noticed so far.”
Then the master and his young apprentice walked back home. Later that same evening, they returned to the same place where the painting was displayed. To the surprise of the young artist, there was no adjustment or correction on the painting. But the master wasn’t satisfied and told his apprentice,” May be we should leave it for another day as they may be too busy to do the correction. Let’s come back the next day, if more correction would come in.”
The next day they visited and still found the painting untouched. The painting was left there for another month and no correction was done.
Indeed it is easier to criticize, than to improve on someone else’s works.
