Many people today may find driving a stick-shift vehicle completely useless. Technology has evolved, and at least in America, most automobiles manufactured are automatic. In other parts of the world, driving a manual vehicle is more of a necessity because that's how most cars come, but America is all about fast and easy, right?
This past week, someone told me about her experience learning to drive stick-shift. She described how frustrated she was that her mom was forcing her to learn this outdated skill. In the midst of her exacerbation, her mom said, "If redneck boys named Bubba can do this, you can too.” Now, that's not to say anything against rednecks (I grew up in what would be considered a very "redneck" area myself) or anyone named Bubba. Rather, it was expressing "if someone else can do this, you can too.” At first glance, this looks like a great motivator. After all, talent may give someone a head start in many areas, but in the long run, practice and dedication are going to win out over talent every time.
But that doesn't make this mindset right. If you're constantly comparing yourself to what other people can do, what kind of standard are you setting for yourself? When it comes to school, people are often content with their grades as long as they are above the class average. They may be capable of being at the top of the class, but if that isn't their goal they will never reach it. Or, on the other side, they may constantly kick themselves for not being able to live up to a standard instead of acknowledging the amazing progress they’ve made. If external standards are used as motivation, you are inevitably going to either settle for less than what you're worth or kill yourself in the process of attaining something that may never be possible.
Instead of focusing on the people and things around you, focus on what you can do. Could you make an A in that class with a little more effort? Don't settle for the B. Running isn't your thing? Keep at it, but don't beat yourself up if you'll never be a world-class athlete.
We are all made for different things in life, with different skills, abilities and interests. No society functions when everyone is capable of the same thing, but it does when people specialize and make the most of their natural inclinations. So stop comparing yourself with the people around you. Compare yourself to your potential. Are you reaching for it? It may carry you farther than you expect. And if you’re working on a skill like driving a stick shift car, strive for success and celebrate your achievement! Not because anyone else can or can’t drive manual transmission, but because you put yourself outside of your comfort zone and mastered something new.