Perspective: Where Do You Stand?

I have had a collegiate career that has had many though times but perseverance and failure to complain has been my key to success. A big part of my perseverance and motivation has come from being able to put things in PERSPECTIVE. American Heritage Dictionary defines perspective as "the relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole." Knowing how things relate and a knowledge of a whole have kept me humble enough to know that my problems do not even come close to that of others. This is why I have a problem about those who complain about one test, one teacher, or one paper. For those not enrolled in school you may cringe at a person who complains about gas prices when you may very well have been working double shifts to afford a bus ride. A quick glance at the news, various magazines, and even your neighbors can very well introduce you to a world outside your window where trivial problems are unparallel to the problems that others go through. Does anyone remember that cliché childhood phrase we were taught that simply stated "someone has always got it worse?"

Some may question why I have brought this up. Recently I have seen the movie called the "Pursuit of Happ[i]ness" which puts things in perspective for the rich and poor alike as well as reminds me that my little problems in school mean nothing because I at least have the opportunity. Watching "The Pursuit of Happ[i]ness" gives me further motivation to pursue my own dreams and also makes me further realize that people have had it worse and have made the best of it. Chris Gardner exemplifies the idea that with hard work and dedication the average or even below average person can do something great by realizing what they have, their potential, and the application of both. If I could encourage anyone to see this I would. Go see a man who has survived being homeless, being depressed, and being dirt poor. Then see what he has become and look at your problems to see where you stand in comparison and what you have done with what you have. This article does not even mention the other great notables of the movie like a man who shows what we should be. Men of my generation should be men with character, fatherhood qualities, integrity, fidelity etc. Use his life story as a motivational tool to put things in perspective.

Also remember to realize that someone has had it worse than he. Chris Gardner has simply had the successfulness and connections to piece his life together in a story that has had the opportunity to be published and displayed in the movie industry. I understand that the psychological aspect of perspective, where in most cases you only can control your emotions to the extent of your experience. What do I mean? As an example if you have never been poor than you cannot empathize and will complain about the worst of your own experience. By watching credible media and studying those who have it worse you can condition yourself to understand and respect them for their triumph and finally be able to humble yourselves and put your problems in perspective.