Concept from Week # 2

I actually enjoyed all the concepts covered in this week’s Chapter 2, but the one that I found was my favorite was that of “Set Goals that are Realistic and Fair.” Peter Whybrow found that Americans have infinite wants, setting their sights on something only to want more when they get it (Wood, p. 58). This idea is unrealistic because we will never be satisfied and happy since we are never content with where we are. It is also important to realize that when we compare ourselves with others, that we are reasonable and fair to ourselves. To compare yourself to select renowned figures is setting yourself up for failure. Equally important is to remember that the self is ever-evolving, a process. We need to realize that who we are now is a starting point and that it is a basis for going forward. To dwell on the past is detrimental since what is done is done, we cannot change it.

The most appealing thing to me about this concept was that it reminds us to be realistic. A lot of times we are all eager to change or improve, but we set unattainable goals and then feel miserable when we fail. In a culture that is bombarded with images and ideas of “perfection” it is easy to lose sight of what makes us happy. To set small steps that lead us toward a goal is a good start. When we reach that point, we should celebrate and be happy and not continually demand more from ourselves.