Conceptulations

The Martyr Mirage

Maybe we have a short one here... and more for the youth than those who've already progressed some way through life.

So firstly, what Is it I refer to with the phrase 'Martyr Mirage'?

The Martyr is someone who suffered and endured for a cause. A Mirage is an image that proves to be false upon closer inspection (this my understanding, though I've never seen one!)

And the Martyr Mirage is the often irritating habit 90% of people have of making out their jobs are a constant challenge.

The working world is a scary place for beginners. With unemployment at the current level, people are just finding their first jobs at the ages of 25, or even 30. A lot of teenagers are finding it hard to get into the rhythm of working.

And there are so many people out there that would be happy to convince you that you wouldn't be able to do their job. They'll tell it takes certain skills, qualities, abilities.

The truth by my reckoning is simply that you need to want the job. Whatever it is, if you really want it, and put the effort in, you'll get there in the end. Reality is that after the first few days of any job, you'll slide into place if you're still interested, or you'll have moved on.

But still, there's the risk of being put off by people telling you it takes someone 'special' to do their job. Sure, knowledge and competence are vital, but they are also forever attainable. Anyone who makes the effort can learn to build space ships and perform heart surgery.

The reason I believe a lot of people make out their job is hard is because in fact it isn't. It may require effort and determination, yes. But any willing person can do it, and maybe better than them. And of course if people believe their job is hard they'll leave them to it, and not consider that maybe they're just making it look hard because they're putting so little effort in.

So kids, next time someone older says "you can't be a builder, you're too weak.

You can't be a fighter, you're too scared.

You can't be a doctor, you're too dumb.

You can't be an actor, you're to ugly."

Just ask yourself if it excites you. In fact, you won't have to ask yourself, because you'll already know. And if someone says "It's a tough business", just remind yourself that they were a clueless youth at one point too.

I have no quote for this one, so I'm gunna make up my own. But I would appreciate suggestions.

'When I was a kid, I was scared cus I though at 18 years old you dissapeared and an adult took control of your body. I tried to write down my personality so the adult version of me could read it and remember who I was. Kids have the best ideas.'