"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."
- Marilyn Vos Savant
Marilyn Vos Savant is considered one of the "Smartest People in the World" according to the Guinness Book of World Records. At the age of ten years old, she had an IQ score of 228. This information, however, was not revealed to the public until she 40 years old. In 1986, when she was about 40, word got out and she skyrocketed to the top of the Guinness Book of World Records list among children and adults for having one of the highest recorded IQ scores at the time.
So what can we take away from today's quote? I want you to think back to a time in your life where you were facing some obstacle, some challenge, some struggle... and it seemed like no matter how hard you tried you just could not get past this invisible wall. So as a result of this feeling of helplessness you simply gave up. My message to you today is that just because you have failed or been defeated does not mean that this will become your reality. Believing you will never win or never succeed and thus giving up in the process makes it so. You see failing and being defeated are simply methods of feedback. Listen to this feedback and use it to adapt and change. I know this is easier said than done, but if whatever you are seeking is worth it to you then you must press on. It is your persistent determination that will pull you through to the place you want to be. If you feel defeated today, I want you to remember that your position right now is temporary. This feeling of hopelessness will pass. Take some time to reflect and make a conscious effort to work on yourself and allow yourself the time to develop into who you want to become. Be patient, be persistent, and never give up.
If you found today's post meaningful to you please make sure to upvote, follow, and share today's message. Thank you all and we'll see you right back here tomorrow for the next quote!
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The vast majority of that which you say here is valid (although I am a little skeptical of the elasticity of IQ tests at the scoring fringes - no doubt that she was and is very very smart).
The one thing I'd suggest however is that giving up can take at least two forms:
1 - "I'll never manage." Stated with sincerity and conviction, involves the greatest risk of permanency.
2 - "This is beyond my ability or means." The risk of permanency somewhat depends on whether there is an unspoken "right now" at the end of this sentence.
3 - "This is not worth pursuing right now." This invokes the lowest risk of permanency. Sometimes giving up temporarily can be a smart move - allowing the self to invest one's energies in more fruitful endeavors.
{As an aside I am occasionally guilty of '2' but far more often guilty of '3'.}
Thank you very much for your insight! I do agree that IQ tests are not necessarily always a true and/or accurate measure of one's "intelligence" per say, but I do believe Marilyn has a gift for thinking. We also understand that giving up is something to consider. For example, if you originally wanted to become a doctor but at some point realize that you are not willing to go through all the years of schooling to reach this accomplishment, then giving up could be a better route for you in order to find something more suitable for you. The point to emphasize is that the choice is yours to make. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons wisely :)
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