#60 The Desolation of Limitations

It is paradoxical, yet true, to say, that the more we know, the more ignorant we become in the absolute sense, for it is only through enlightenment that we become conscious of our limitations. Precisely one of the most gratifying results of intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects. --Nikola Tesla

For the life of me, I cannot understand anyone who speaks in absolutes or puts limits on themselves.  With a world so vast and full of possibilities, why would you ever imprison yourself to one way of thinking or one opportunity?

"I am a great programmer, and I am not going to take a job until Google hires me."

"Even though it will bankrupt our country and do very little to change illegal immigration, I am going to build a wall to keep the bad people out."

"I only want to attend Stanford, so it is the only school I am going to apply to."

I like Nikola Tesla's philosophy better.  I'll type it again, "intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects."

As a human race, we tend to lean to absolute ideas and thoughts.  We restrict our sensibilities to the point where we cause only heartache to ourselves and those around us.  In spite of our well-being, we stick to archaic thoughts and reasoning.

Why do we do this?

1.  Pride.  "My grandparents and my parents did it this way, I can't begin to disrespect their memory by doing it differently."

2.  Fear.  "What if I do follow my gut and go against the norm?  Will I be outcast?  Will people no longer love me?"

3.  Ignorance.  "I saw somebody else do this, so I'll just do it the same way."

We are a country of immigrants.  At some point in time, all of our ancestors fled here out of fear of persecution or death.  We used to be a country that saw the unknown as something that could be conquered, or at the very least, understood.  We are so very capable of practical, logical, pragmatic and thoughtful curiosity.

My sister writes a blog called the "Daring to Ask Why", and although she can be a little bit more politically active (and angry :-) at times than me, I think the point of her blogs are right on.  Why are we so afraid to ask the "Why" questions?  When we are in doubt or we don't understand, is it that scary to say, "Why is that?"

I apologize if this blog has been a little politically polarizing for some of you.  It was not my intention.  I just picked some random vague anecdotes that seemed to fit my point of view.  In the end, this blog is still for those young people or those parents who are sitting their saying, "Why isn't Duke recruiting my child?  It is the only place he wants to attend.  Why can't Coach K see the brilliance that I see?  We aren't going to look anywhere else until he comes to that realization."

That, my friends, is "the desolation of limitations", but it is a very similar perspective that half of the young people I talk to have about their future.  The limitations that YOU put on YOURSELF will only hurt YOU in the end.

"I have a girl who is beautiful, smart, caring and loves me, but I am not going to date her because she isn't a super model."  There's really no difference from one analogy to another.

There are so many fantastic colleges in this country that will help shape your next 40 years and will provide experience and opportunity that you will cherish for the rest of your life.  Take the time to get to know those opportunities.  Learn your true value.  Give yourself a chance to find out what exactly your needs and preferences are.  I can tell you that you probably didn't even know your "dream" school existed.  Aren't you the least big curious to know if that is true?

I grew up in all-white, all-christian small town of 2000 people in the middle of nowhere.  I have become the man I am today because I took the risk of finding out if there was wisdom outside of that village.  What did I find?  Happiness.  Purpose.  Humility.  Generosity.  A new and improved definition of Family.  And, Passion for the world.

Unlock your personal prison, and give yourself a chance to see the good when you don't limit yourself!

Coach Matt Rogers
Twitter:  @madcoachdiary
Email:  coachrogers12@gmail.com
Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/rogersmatt16
Blog:  madcoachdiary.blogspot.com
Phone:  (312) 610-6045

Matt Rogers is a 20-year high school and college coach veteran.  He has led two teams to the NCAA National Tournament and one team to High School State Championship.  His teams hold numerous school and one NCAA record. He has mentored and coached players at every level while serving as an athletics administrator at the high school and NCAA levels. He has helped numerous players continue their careers at the professional level. He currently is the Head National Scout/Recruiting Specialist for NCSA - Next College Student Athlete where he has helped thousands of young men and women from around the world achieve their dreams of playing at the college level.  Coach presently lives in the Denver, CO area with his wife of 19 years and his two children. 

To request Coach Rogers to speak at your school or event, you can reach him through any of his contact information above.