Bronze or Silver
Which is Better?
I really struggled with this concept. I started writing and stopped, starting all over multiple times. You see, I’m responding to a challenge from Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她). Here’s her story where she talked about this.
I was very focused on answering the obvious question she had asked. Which was better, bronze or silver? She explains the idea of why one might prefer one over the other. The thing is, when I tried to answer this question, my brain just couldn’t make me write in a way that made sense.
You see, the reason why I failed so hard is that I just don’t think that way. I don’t see second place as a failure. I don’t see third place as a barely achieved success. The whole concept just doesn’t jive with how I view things. I was trying to force a story that just didn’t make any sense to me.
I like being the best but I’ve never been remotely competitive enough to dedicate myself to doing so. As often as not, when I compete, I do reasonably well. For me, that’s more than enough. Knowing that I did well, in comparison to so many others, is a great ego boost.
I don’t need to be the best. I have no burning desire to have my name be known far and wide. I don’t need adoration or even respect from people because I’m just so good at… whatever, lol.
For me, it’s all rather simple. Third is great, second is better, and first would be amazing. However, if I don’t reach those, I’m not going to be particularly bothered. Often, people at the highest level are truly amazing. They’ve dedicated a large portion of their lives to being the best. If I can even come close to their level, I’ve succeeded.
Some might argue that I should try harder. I should never settle for less. I say, why? Why is being the best so important? Why is achieving something so difficult worth all the stress and effort? If you have that drive, I applaud you, I truly do.
I just don’t. I want to do well. That’s enough for me. I don’t need to be the best. I try to be kind and support people. I don’t need to be the best at that. I’m trying to get myself into a comfortable living situation. I don’t need to be rich. I want to be heard. I don’t need to be the first person people go to though.
What do you guys think?