"What will be, will be" was the response I got from my elder brother when I summoned the courage to ask if we are really going to get out of this life of poverty one day. His response pissed me off because he is the elder one, and I expected him to know better and also believe that his effort will surely pay off one day. He’s a hardworking and brilliant guy, honestly, but with this statement, I don’t know how to describe him anymore. He pictured life as something fixed, as if some people are meant to succeed in life while some are not.
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Accepting that “what will be, will be” equally downplays or ignores the place of intellect, strategic planning, choices, and actions that are capable of influencing your future. We get involved in schooling and also learn some vital skills all because we want to become whatever we plan to become. And with commitment, dedication, and hard work, a lot of people achieve their goals, and many more are working towards achieving theirs. So accepting that the statement is true doesn’t portray the power of individual commitment in ensuring success.
So personally, I see that statement as a discouragement to the upcoming generation, to feel relaxed and not make choices or take responsibility for their actions that will make tomorrow better. Rather, the statement encourages them to be lazy, because in the long run, “what will be, will be.” For me, that’s crazy.
I’ve heard a story about two lovely brothers who happened to live with their father. The younger believed in education, and he said to himself that he would ensure he stayed committed and dedicated to his studies because he wanted to become a medical doctor. The father gave him all the support he needed, and as he chased his dreams and passion, he was able to achieve it. He became one of the best doctors in the country.
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On the other hand, the elder son believed that what will be, will be. As such, he dropped out of school, saying that he didn't have to go to school to make it in life. He gave examples of wealthy people he knew who dropped out of school, yet became successful. In his words, he said, “what will be, will be,” so he must not go to school. As time went by, they lost their father and the inheritance was shared between the two children. Unfortunately for the elder one, he lacked money management skills. He squandered the money on irrelevant things, while his brother, on the other hand, invested wisely. He own over 3 big medical stores accross the country, which earn hime returns on a daily basis.
In conclusion, I would say that the statement “what will be, will be” is not true. You have to be intentional about what you want to be, and with strategic planning, commitment, discipline, and hard work, you will see the result over time.
Thanks for reading through my submission for the week, and I hope you enjoyed it.