"Some people have developed a sixth sense in life. And it is one of the most detrimental things to them and society's well-being. It's the sense of, entitlement. " Coach Theo
Two things will most likely happen, they'll either end up in jail or dead. That was the harsh reality for MK and 90% of the juveniles I worked with in a group home as a social worker. They just came from jail and we were part of their transitional housing to help them get back on their feet. Unfortunately, not all of them were willing to do their part to make it work.
MK had a terrible life and was put through things that I could never imagine. The world was so cruel, but the reality was, it wasn't going to get any nicer. He shared his lofty goals with me one day. He laid around played video games the next. I guess he was doing what most of us have done at some point in our lives.....waiting around for things to happen.
My dad always said don't expect life to give you anything. If you want it, you better go get it.
So often in our lives we see such false expectations among human beings. Just turn on social media and look at some of these protests that are happening right now, especially the Oberlin students who expect their professors to give them passing grades without having to work for it. Or work in retail or a restaurant for a day and watch how rude customers can be if they don't get what they want. Or be a teacher, boss, or coach and watch the attitudes of many students, employees, parents, and athletes.
A lot of people, and I mean a lot of people, feel entitled. This feeling of entitlement, in my opinion, is extremely irrational, selfish, and self destructive to ourselves and our world.
WE DON'T DESERVE ANYTHING.
Comfort isn't mandatory.
Success doesn't have to happen.
People don't have to treat us a certain way.
It's ideal, but it's not reality.
So I say, don't expect it.
Expect no hand outs.
Expect no one to do it for you.
Expect to take responsibility.
Expect nothing in return.
Expect you don't deserve anything in life except your breath. Actually, that's not a right either. It's a privilege. Expect that you're only right is to love the fact that you have it, and you can do everything in your power to make the best of it.
This sixth sense is in some way in all of us. Perhaps we let it out in our marriage, or our jobs, or how we view and handle money. Little bits and pieces will come out in certain relationships and situations. But if and when we fall into this default mode, we must quickly get out of it.
Lil P did. He was abused and neglected and bounced back and forth from multiple foster homes his whole life. At 18 he was left with no immediate family in his life. And as he left the group home with nothing but a trash bag full of his belongings, I knew he was going to make it, because his attitude said it would. "I'm going to college and becoming a counselor one day man. I'm going to make something of myself and prove everyone wrong."
The world ain't always sunshine and rainbows. It will beat you down if you let it.
Pretend that's the only thing you're entitled to.
Then focus on the right you do have.
The right to control YOUR effort...
YOUR TIME...
YOUR ENERGY...
YOUR RESPONSE...
YOUR REACTION...
To any and every situation you're put into.
When you own that, tell the world to watch out.
Because that's when you stop waiting around for things to happen...
And you MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
And it will become an absolute game-changer for you, and everyone in your life.
It's not about us,
Coach Theo
No comments:
Post a Comment