The Proclivity for Playing Small

Traveling through an airpot recently,  a man approached the airline check-in desk to upgrade his economy ticket to business class. Despite his inquiry, none of the personnel provided a clear response. Only when a member of the bag security team inquired about his final destination did the situation take an unexpected turn.

The gentleman revealed his destination, to which the staff member replied bluntly: "It's just a four-hour flight; enter the economy like that." Unfazed by the discouragement, the man expressed his willingness to pay for the upgrade, emphasising his preference for comfort. Surprisingly, the advice against upgrading persisted, prompting the man to repeatedly seek assistance until the designated upgrade authority was contacted.

Observing this scenario revealed that in life, simply knowing our desires and having the means to achieve them may not be enough. This situation highlighted the reality that people in various roles in our lives may try to discourage us from pursuing our goals, motivated by their own limited perspective and a proclivity for playing small.

These people can be extremely persuasive, and if we are not cautious, they may lead us astray from our goals. It serves as a reminder that, despite external voices advising otherwise, one should persevere in the pursuit of personal goals, especially when equipped with the means to achieve them. In the face of doubters, the determination to persevere and seize opportunities for growth remains critical.

He gives understanding to the simple.

Oluwaseun ADEPOJU