This quote that I recently heard reminds me of nursing school. My chemistry lab partner and I struggled together to pass the class, Let me say I am ever so grateful I haven't had to balance equations since! During the next 3 years I was aware she needed to put more effort into studying than I did and I shared my notes with her whenever she asked. Perhaps it was that I went part time during the first 3 years of nursing school, as many of the credits from my first degree transferred, but then again I also worked 3 jobs.
It occurred to me that effort (overcoming an obstacle) was never recognized or acknowledged especially when grades were given out. It didn't feel fair to me as effort tells you a lot about a person---when the going gets hard do they roll their sleeves up and get going or do they give up? My lab partner never gave up, she persisted! I know this made her a very good nurse.
On the other hand the student that ended up with the highest grade point average in our graduating class didn't need to put in the same amount of effort and didn't seem to have the hunger to be good/great at what she did.
I don't know about you but I'd rather have a person who has the drive to excel at what they do as they become committed to leveling up and challenge themselves to be their very best as they move through obstacles. They develop character, resiliency, and competency. This is a very powerful way of being!
Inspiring isn't it?
Beth