Almost all of us had one or more idols whom we looked up to while growing up. These were our classmates, teammates, seniors, or even older siblings who seemed to have it allâtalent, charm, and an unshakable promise of success. We idolized them, dreamed of being like them, and believed they were destined for greatness. They were the ones teachers praised, peers envied, and parents pointed to as examples.
But then life happened. As time passed, some of those shining stars faded. The ones who seemed so unstoppable suddenly stopped. Maybe they didnât achieve the big things we thought they would. Maybe they got lost along the way. And, strangely enough, you found yourself surpassing them.
Itâs a strange, bittersweet realization. The people you once admiredâmaybe even enviedâend up stuck, while you keep moving forward. It makes you wonder: What went wrong?
Why Potential Isnât Enough
The truth is, potential alone doesnât guarantee success. A lot of these childhood idols had everything going for them, but they hit walls for different reasons:
- Too Many Choices, No Direction:
Some people are so talented that they can do anything. But thatâs the problemâhaving too many options can lead to indecision. Instead of picking one path and running with it, they try a little bit of everything, never fully committing to anything. Eventually, they lose momentum. - The Trap of Overconfidence
When youâre naturally good at something, itâs easy to think youâll always be ahead. But life doesnât work like that. Over time, the ones who put in the effortâeven if they werenât as giftedâstart to pull ahead. The talented ones who coasted on their abilities? Theyâre left behind, wondering what went wrong. - No Clear Vision
Potential is just raw energyâit needs direction. Some people never figure out what they want or where theyâre headed. Without that vision, even the most talented individuals can end up wandering aimlessly.
The Heartbreak of Watching Them Fail
Itâs not easy to see someone you once admired fall short of their potential. Thereâs a unique kind of sadness in it. They were symbols of hope and possibility, and their struggles feel like a lossânot just for them but for you, too.
At the same time, their stories are a wake-up call. They remind us that talent and admiration arenât enough. Hard work, focus, and resilience are what actually carry people through.
When Itâs Time to Find New Idols
Idols are important. They inspire us and show us whatâs possible. But hereâs the thing: itâs okay to let go of someone who no longer serves as a role model for the person youâre becoming. It doesnât mean you stop respecting them or caring about them. It just means youâre ready to find inspiration elsewhereâsomeone who embodies the traits you want to cultivate now. Maybe itâs someone who works quietly but consistently, or someone who overcame their struggles to achieve something meaningful.
Changing idols isnât about giving up on people; itâs about growing.
How to Avoid Becoming a âWhat Could Have Beenâ Story
No one wants to be remembered as someone who almost made it. If you want to make the most of your own potential, hereâs what to keep in mind:
- Pick a Path: You canât do everything. Focus on what matters most to you and give it your all.
- Put in the Work: Talent gets you to the starting line, but effort is what gets you across the finish line.
- Keep Learning: Stay curious and open to growth, even when itâs uncomfortable.
- Have a Vision: Know where youâre going and why. Without a clear goal, itâs easy to lose your way.
Final Thoughts
Our childhood idols teach us so muchânot just through their successes, but through their struggles, too. They show us how fragile potential can be and how much work it takes to turn it into something real.
So, we should cherish the inspiration they gave us and learn from their mistakes. We also should not be afraid to seek new role models when the time comes. Because in the end, itâs not just about admiring othersâitâs about becoming someone worth admiring yourself.
Redwan
20 November 2024