Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
I’m tired of practicality. I cringe every time someone says “Yeah, but at least it’s practical”. Why this disdain for all things practical? Because practicality is boring. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines practical as “relating to, or manifested in practice or action: not theoretical or ideal”. The last part of this definition, “not theoretical or ideal” intrigues me. Practical is not the ideal. Sometimes things that are useful or necessary are called practical. I disagree with this. If it is useful or necessary than it is the ideal not the practical.
It seems that practicality is often an excuse for mediocrity. If you can’t get what you really want, your ideal, than you get what’s practical, the thing you really don’t want. It often seems that when people settle for the practical they try and make excuses that it’s what they really wanted the whole time. “Yeah, I was going to get the Corvette, but this 10 year old used minivan is more practical, plus I’ve always wanted a minivan”. This settling for the practical is always a letdown. If there is a way to go with the ideal then take it. You won’t regret working a little harder, saving a little more, or waiting a little longer to avoid the practical.
If practicality were a color it would be grey. If practicality were an ice cream flavor it would be vanilla. If practicality went to the state fair it wouldn’t go on any of the rides. If practicality invented the internet we would still be using text based user interfaces. If practicality was employed by the government it would work for the IRS. You get the picture; practicality is the safe, boring, middle of the road, no risks option. Sometimes it might be the smart option, but it’s always the boring option. Avoid the practical.
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
Comments
12.31.09
Interesting point of view. In my experience, practicality is very individual. For example, I'm considered a very practical person, which has worked to my advantage over the years. I was a fiance for double digits, not really wanting to get married. (I was fine being a fiance and okay with the idea of being a wife; I just didn't want to be a bride and all that entailed.) When I realized my COBRA benefits were expiring, I decided marriage was a practical thing to do because I could be covered under my spouse's plan. He being a romantic (and not very practical as well) was thrilled and started to buy me lots of wonderful jewelry, which continues to this day. I don't consider my life or me boring! If you do, that's okay by me.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
 |
|
