Navigating the Expectation of Instant Triumph to unshackle potential.
Last weekend I was reading one of my favorite magazines, in which philosophers are asked to explain the times in which we live. This time there was a paragraph that really resonated with me.
It said:
“We totally accept that artists practice for years on the perfect brushstroke. But we expect that perfection for us is within immediate reach. This fits into our belief of the malleability of our society. Because, if we want something, it has to be there instantly.”
In this post I want to advocate a more healthy, realistic view.
Why?
Because it is seldom lack of intelligence, ability or willingness that keep my students from reaching their enticing prospect namely, being a convincing, strong, engaging public speaker.
It is the expectation, the image they have in their head, “the Zeitgeist”, that I as teacher need to battle against to ignite real development.
How so?
Students expect from themselves that they immediately must be able to give a fluent presentation, often not in their mother tongue, without even having practiced out loud. Otherwise, they conclude, it means they have no talent for it.
This is something I find really hard to grasp.
I do not think, 8 times Olympic winner and swimmer Michael Phelps would have won all his medaille’s. By not getting into the pool, or only doing a few strokes and be done with it, after getting instructions on technique from his coach.
So, to all Expats and Dutch professionals, do not have unrealistic expectations. They are cruel, they keep you captive and they keep you from developing yourself.
Instead learn how you can practice in the best way, so that you can integrate your story quickly.
Good luck,
Want to learn how? Find out more about possibilities right here.