Eddy,
one of the recurring themes in this whole discussion is the disconnect between the ideal and what we're capable of.

When you get to the point where you realize your beer-grade talent doesn't line up with your champagne grade expectations... what are the options? There are basically three:

1) lower your expectations to achievable levels
2) dramatically ramp up your ability to meet your expectations
3) drop out of the game without changing your expectations
("everything that's possible is beneath me, so I just won't play at all")

each of those 3 possibilities work in a way, and I know people who are happy with life after choosing each of the possibilities. But there are also good and bad levels within each of those choices.

For example, I DON'T hate cover songs! I like them, and I have a total blast playing them! So for me, door number 1 not only meets my needs, it keeps me engaged at the level I am capable of performing at

Option two is the ideal obviously... but only if the person is not deluded. You can waste a lot of time trying to achieve something that is outside the realm of your ability.

Option 3 carries a different brand of self delusion. It frees the person from challenging himself in any direction, and it gives the smugness of a high standard without the requirement of actually having to live up to it.

In my experience MOST of the people who argue in favor of the high standard are disengaged. They aren't pursuing the high standard, they're just criticizing those who pursue happiness at a lower standard.

MY goal is to accurately gauge my ability, then perform the heck out of it. To actualize the theoretical best case, wherever it may fall. Otherwise, we end up giving up EVERY dream just because it isn't the HIGHEST dream.

As far as I can tell, that's the healthiest route to take after you realize you aren't going to be everything you hoped. Cop out? maybe, in terms of ideals. But in terms of using your time on the planet constructively, its the ONLY way to stay engaged at the highest challenge level you're capable of sustaining.


all that was what works for me, I fully understand everyone is driven by different demons. I only say it to point out that people who go a different path aren't losers... they're achievers at the level that is possible for them

At least that's how I see it.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0