Super Achievers: Pros And Cons

There has been a long debate running for years now, weather it is good or bad to be a super achiever form childhood. I believe there are interesting arguments to be made on both sides of the debate, and that is why I have decided to make a list of the pros and cons of being a super achiever. Super achievers seem to be able to find better jobs and generally be more successful than the rest, but I don’t think that is always the case. I believe that there is a strong argument to be made for the fact that most of the children that are referred to as super achievers lack some social skills. At the same time I agree with the concept that everyone should always push themselves to be the best they can be, but I have some reserves about some kids that are super achievers because in some cases they are forced by their parents to choose this path; It might be in their own interest in the future but I believe that a kid can grow up healthy only if he or she is left to make their own decisions.

So let see what the pros of being a super achiever as a kid are:

1. Getting a lot of diplomas and certificates. Super achievers always will try to get recognition for every skill they have. This is important and may prove to be a valuable asset in the future. Getting certified in any sort of skill you have a curiosity in will be a major plus in your CV for your future employers.

2. Developing aptitudes. Super achievers sometimes have a tendency towards very mild obsessive compulsive disorder. This may become an advantage because once they set their mind on something they like they will practice for as long as it takes until they become proficient at it. Usually the aptitudes that super achievers thrive in have to do mental processes, few of them have a knack for anything involving sports and physical exercises.

3. Higher goals. Another important benefit that super achievers have is the fact that they set very high standards for themselves. This is a great advantage because by doing this they also establish their self-worth, the fact that they believe they are good enough to reach those goals. By their definition, super achievers will always try to be better and to surpass expectations, so in this sense, setting higher goals, combined with tenacity and an ability to reach them will result in a constant evolution of their abilities and qualifications.

4. Lots of opportunities when they grow up. The biggest benefits for super achievers will undoubtedly come later on in life. A super achiever will have a much easier time finding a job because of the numerous certificates, skills and aptitudes they poses.

And now, let’s look at the cons of being a super achiever:

1. Lack of independence. Super achievers are rarely very independent, and they usually seek to get the recognition of others by doing an exceptionally good job in a controlled environment. Always playing by the book, following orders, and teacher’s suggestions super achievers rarely have an inclination to take risks and try out new ideas and try to gain their independence by leaving everything behind and starting out fresh. This can lead to lack of initiative that can become frustrating in the future because of the fact that you will most likely have to work for others, rather than for a company you started from scratch.

2. Social maturity. Super achievers are usually shunned out as kids and they become victims of social exclusion. This is not always a bad thing, but it will lead to social immaturity when they get older. This will result in a lot of awkward moments in their adult lives because they do not always know what the social standards for a specific situation are.

3. No time for fun. It is very important that super achievers decide to take on a domain they love, because that is probably the most fun they will have. The drive super achievers feel to constantly study and better themselves can result in a lack of time to do anything else, including have fun. This may pay off in the future, but it also may leave the super achiever with a complete lack of knowledge of how to have fun.

I believe this argument about weather is good or bad to be a super achiever can go on and on. From my point of view super achievers should be admired for their tenacity, but at the same time I don’t believe that too much of anything is very good, so I find myself being an advocate for the “very achiever”, someone who wants to reach his or her goals, but is not willing to sacrifice anything for it.

Super Achievers: Pros And Cons

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