By Mehreen Mushtak (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
We are all so consumed with work in this world, each one of us! It can be studying, playing sports, working in an office, writing, reading, and you name it. One thing in common in this is that people are graded; one is better than another. So we are all on a matrix where we are measured against certain criteria, some, which we know, and others we don’t. For example, while studying, we are assessed against our learning ability. That is still too broad, so, should we be assessed on our remembering ability or on understanding ability. Again this can be broken down, are we assessed on remembering and understanding ability or memorizing ability. Haven’t you noticed that all top scorers in school don’t do so well in their jobs, some may?
Well, we are up for measurement in each and everything that we do. Some people may consider you to be good at a certain aspect; others at a few aspects and some may feel you can’t do anything. So how do we perceive this? Do you argue back? Do you sulk? Or in anger do you prove them wrong? It is all about perception. How much does someone’s judgment affect you? How much does worldly measurement affect you? How do you value yourself and your talents?
A human being is a complex creation of Allah with the most beautiful aspect being the heart and the mind. Both help you to make decisions and judgment, feel happy and sad or delighted and furious. It is our complex organs that help us function in day-to-day life. Each person is unique and has a different talent. Then why do you aim to measure yourself on matrix that was never meant for you? It could be amazing for your friend or your sister or brother, but that does not mean you will have the exact same matrix as them.
Again an important question that comes up is, what is ‘good enough’ Do you decide that? Or do you let your environment, peers, and family decided that? Or even social media? Competition is a part of humans, however, the best form is when you compete with yourself so that you are better than you were when you attempt to do something. There is no end to growth if you do it with determination, dedication, and hustle, all while being humble. Definitely easy to say and difficult to do, but we have the best role models in history to look up to and learn traits of superiority through work yet humbleness in nature. Let your work and contributions speak for themselves and once you realize that you need no particular matrix to be measured, you will stop looking at others from that lens.
