By Diego Nascimento
A common scenario in social, corporate and even academic situations is what I call the “acceptance game.” It is based on people being able to switch around or do things that they simply do not like to do to be ACCEPTED. That’s right: they go with the flow of the majority to not be left out of group A, B or C. At any cost (I mean, at any cost) they sacrifice themselves for “masks” that they cannot sustain in the course of their lives.
Such situations bring serious emotional and even physical consequences. I have written several articles about change, but I want to make it clear that I support initiatives that maintain the essence of an individual. Achieving such a dream job, graduation or other goals are natural, promising and healthy decisions. The warning I am making is that you do not have to give up confessional, family, and ethical values to surround yourself with “friends,” invitations, promotions, or social status. Success needs to be aligned with originality. Lying resumes, plagiarized scholarly works, and indebtedness to show an “alternative reality” are treacherous and will offer problems sooner or later.
I’ve matured a lot over the years. I have improved my speaking and writing styles, expanded my professional qualification, gained more friends, acquired goods … life is like this: a spinning wheel and, with each turn, a new chapter emerges. I am still in my youth, and I hope that the verbs that I used in this paragraph continue to exist in my daily life. At the same time, I concentrate my efforts so that my essence never dissipates. Regardless of your age range, I suggest you reflect on the “acceptance game.”
When I conclude lectures on Careers I always set aside a few minutes to listen to testimonials. There are countless people who are aimless, feel lonely in society, and take refuge in riding the “wave of others.” It’s a mistake to think that what I have just said only applies once you enter the corporate life. The game can start in childhood, cross into adolescence and, if not shut down, continue until the last days. Growing up in life is good, very good. It involves effort, and I am a fan of those who embrace this cause. Overcoming the “acceptance game” means recognizing the limitations, maintaining the essence, cultivating originality, and staying close to those you really care about.
King Solomon, inspired by God, once recorded:
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10 and 11 – Holy Bible.
Let’s think about it!