Today, there are awards given to those who do not deserve them. I understand awards make people feel better. After all, everyone wants praise for their work.
It feels nice to have that pat on the back after trying something tough, even if it didn’t go as well as we hoped it would. But, if everyone gets praise, doesn’t that also mean no is?
Children learn that “If you had fun you won.” This does help to take some of the pressure off children to succeed and instead allows them to focus on having fun. In doing so, children can develop into healthier, more productive adults.
But shouldn’t we try to do the best job we can do? If in the end, everyone gets the same reward, there is no incentive to take that extra step.
Adopting this way of thinking as a society can harm us as a whole down the line. It can destroy ambitions people have to even attempt something worthwhile.
If we flip the switch and only reward those who deserve it, the winners and losers benefit. Winners, of course, get what they deserve.
Losers now have the motivation to try harder next time. They will desire to work on their craft so that they can be better next time around.
Let’s hold ourselves accountable. Let’s be clear with children, they get what they work for.
