You Don't Have To Be The Best | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

You Don't Have To Be The Best

A case for embracing the ordinary

26
You Don't Have To Be The Best
Ekaterina Sysoeva

I love working in theatre. It is so beautiful to bring a story to life and wrap an audience in a different world, but sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes I wonder if I belong backstage at all. There are people who are much better than me already out there, being stage managers. Who would want me instead of one of them? I still have so much to learn. I’ve hardly ever gotten a chance to work in a fully equipped theatre and fill out all the paperwork and rehearsal reports stage managers are usually in charge of. I have no idea what I am doing and I just made a mistake why am I here? Then I realized I was being absurdly arrogant.

You’d think self-deprecation would be more accurately matched with humility but, at least in this case, you’d be wrong. How often is someone the best in a field they are just getting into? Almost never, the people who excel immediately are rare. That’s why people freak out whenever a prodigy emerges, because it is outside the norm. What on earth makes you think it’ll just be magically different for you? Why would you suddenly rocket to the top of your field when so few others have? If you are not a prodigy (most people aren’t) then anything you decide to do will be difficult in the beginning. This is not to say that no one can be extraordinary, but that there should be no shame in being ordinary. So persevere through making silly, embarrassing mistakes and remember that they do not make you unfit to be where you are. You are learning, that takes time.

Even when you have been doing something for a long time, there will probably still be people who do it better than you do. Better writers, artists, technicians, directors, doctors, etc. Their extraordinary skill does not invalidate your work. You should never give up the work you love because someone else does it better. You don’t have to be the best artist that ever lived to be an artist, you don’t have to discover the cure to cancer to be a good scientist. Maybe your excellence lies in doing good in small ways that might not go down in history books but still change people’s lives, whether they know it or not.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23559
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9841
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7131
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments