You’re Entitled To…
by Bert Oliva
Have you noticed lately that more and more people seem entitled? Those people that feel they deserve something just because. Those people that act like the world owes them something because they’re in it. Those people who don’t feel they have to work hard to get what they want.
Let’s set the record straight. To quote the fictitious character Frank Underwood from the TV show House of Cards, “You are entitled to nothing.” None of us are. Though we have been given the beautiful gift of life, there is nothing that we are just flat-out entitled to have someone hand us on a silver platter. To achieve anything, we each must work hard and earn it.
I had a conversation with one of my children the other evening. They have not been putting forth their best effort in school lately. Though they did tell me their goal of going to college was still firmly in place. I informed them that college is not a right, but a privilege. They are not simply entitled to go, they must earn it by putting in their best efforts in school now. I told them that unless they showed me their dedication to their goal now, I will not be spending my time, effort, and money to get them into the college of their dreams. A harsh statement, but it opened their eyes
We do a disservice to ourselves and our loved ones when we constantly try to make life as easy as possible. When we have someone remove the obstacles from or paths or remove them for someone else, we rob the person from a learning experience—an experience that teaches humility, gratitude, resourcefulness, self-confidence, and so much more. When we hand things to people on a silver platter, we create the perfect environment for entitlement to take root.
So, whenever possible, take the learning route. Allow yourself to work toward your own goals, instead of just having them handed to you. When you achieve goals via your own hard work, the accomplishment is much more satisfying. Trust me.
Live Life,
Bert Oliva
MAR