There\’s a streak that runs through some people – and it does seem a bit prevalent in my family – that if you tell someone they can\’t do something or won\’t be capable of it, they become hellbent to do so. I can think of nothing more annoying – or personally motivating – than when someone tells me smugly, \”I just don\’t think you\’re cut out for that.\”
I always want to reply, \”Watch me.\”
I remember when I was about 20 years old, a good friend of mine commented to me that she didn\’t think I was cut out for a business degree or the business world. That it was too harsh for me. I don\’t recall my response at this time, but I don\’t think I bothered to argue with words.
Instead, I went on to get a master\’s degree in business, and a job that I love. I love doing the hard things people are scared to do. I like being responsible, even when things end up going a little wrong. Not only am I good at the things I do, I enjoy it. If we must do paid work to make a living, I cannot complain about mine.
Through my life, people have constantly underestimated me, and at times that has given me a bit of an attitude. But if nothing else, I wake up each day fired up to prove those people wrong.
I look young. I have a fairly free spirited demeanor. I laugh all the time. People look at these things and make a judgement and that often starts with \”You can\’t…\” and that is just the ignition I need to start my natural fire and motivation.
When I was in college I had a statistics teacher who literally said out-loud in front of the class, \”I cannot believe a silly girl like you is this good at this.\” She accused me of cheating. I let her take my calculator and stand over my shoulder during the final exam, and when I turned in my paper I said, \”you\’re welcome for raising your class average.\”
Perhaps I should be offended. Perhaps it should even make me a little insecure knowing that everyone underestimates my competence. But I feel a little bit of devious glee when underestimation turns into disappointed surprise when I prove people wrong.
Be careful before you tell me I can\’t!
Anna Farley 