I read about the concentration of privilege recently, despite the distribution of talent. Essentially research is supporting the assertion that someone’s background is far more likely to influence future success than their level of talent. Quelle surprise. There are things we can do individually to get nearer the circle of privilege – moving near the right school or volunteering opportunity. Making the right connections and … Continue reading Distributing privilege

Even given an ideal access to opportunity and a good level of internal expectation, there might still be a problem of unequal explanation. By which I mean a lack of insight into how to meet one’s expectations. Different walks of life have their own particular practices, their own protocols and ways of selecting who will progress or succeed. From street gangs to the ‘Establishment’, from … Continue reading Unequal explanation

A lot of effort is being put in to address problems of unequal access and opportunity, and rightly so. I think it is much more difficult to address the problem of unequal expectation. Where it’s believed that effort will lead to reward, resourcefulness may well overcome many barriers – especially given persistence and time. Without that belief though, without the expectation that things can come … Continue reading Unequal expectation

A recently read quote from Rafael Nadel speaks to his single-minded pursuit of winning. I don’t disagree with the sentiment I believe he’s expressing, which is that what’s widely perceived of as talent must be put to good use to achieve results. He’s quoted as saying: So, in summary, the person who wins the most is the one with the most talent. In principle this … Continue reading Talent and winning.

My Dad didn’t teach me the value of persistence. Indeed, I don’t think he recognised it himself once he turned thirty. I’ve come to learn the importance of pushing through things that block you, and working towards what you believe in. I desperately want to run my own company and nearly a decade ago I was planning to start a business with my daughter. It … Continue reading Persistence is fruitful.

Even on the same days that I was writing about perspective and the things I have to be grateful for, I was battling frustration and despondency that very nearly won out. If you’d seen me just over a week ago, you’d have seen someone looking caged, weary and vacant. Today there is a more generous spirit on show and a sense of ‘can-do’ again. An … Continue reading Look again.

On difficult days especially, it’s good to fall back on simple gratitude practice. I comforted someone in need After wrestling with anger for some time, I saw another perspective My family welcomed me home and I felt my troubles soothed by laughter Before meditating with Headspace this morning, Andy Puddicombe mentioned that the surest path to happiness is to focus on other people’s happiness. There’s … Continue reading Three things to be grateful for today.