By Kevin Tran
There’s nothing more frustrating than putting all your effort into something and still feeling like you’re the worst one there.
I despise being bad at something; we all do. Especially when you’re comparing yourself, you may feel like you’re falling behind when you’re watching your friend excel at a sport you’ve given everything to. But the frustration isn’t really about being bad — it’s the feeling that you’re the only one who is.
Although that feeling can be embarrassing and frustrating, that emotion can often be the foundation for growth and self-discovery. Being bad makes you realize your current capabilities. It teaches you to be patient with improvement as it can be slow, and to be humble when others are ahead of you and to be disciplined when quitting is easier.
Unfortunately, we live in a world that rewards talent more than the steps we took to get there. We always see highlights and starting trophies and never the hours of practice, hardship and struggle that came with it. Because of that, not achieving as much as others feels like proof that we don’t belong. But in reality, it’s proof we’re trying.
Not being good enough forces you to choose between protecting your pride and building your character. It’s easy to walk away when something doesn’t go as you want it. It’s harder to keep practicing and showing up, even when you don’t feel your best.
The decision to stay is where the improvement happens. Talent may motivate you, but it’s your own resilience that will keep pushing you.
Over time, that commitment will be more valuable to you than any natural talent. When you struggle and keep trying anyway, you begin to build confidence; it may not be huge or an ego boost, but it will help you handle setbacks.
This can matter not just with one sport, class or activity. Life will always give obstacles for you where you feel inexperienced, uncomfortable or behind everyone else. Learning how to exist while feeling insufficient prepares you for that situation.
Sometimes, a lack of a skill is a learning experience. Not every struggle ends in you becoming the best, but rather in discovering a different strength, role or even a different passion.
