Doc? Could you ask my DNA to motivate me today?

Words written: 41,465 Currently Reading: Writer’s Digest Jan 2011 issue

It is not often that I feel the pull to post on two consecutive days. Well, not for want or desire, it is more rare that I find the time to post on two consecutive days. And to be honest, I don’t have the time today. But dangit! I can’t help myself! It is one of those days; I apologize in advance.

So what has my panties in a twist? Nothing really. My panties are just fine thank you, but I am inspired. Inspired to think about things a little deeper and search for that golden answer! The answer that really doesn’t exist. Well, maybe the answer is 42, but really, who knows the question? But I digress (didn’t I tell you to stop me when I do that? You are being lax in your duties. Get in gear please, we can’t go on like this.)

The question came up a few days ago about whether anyone could write a novel. This was then continued on Windchaser’s Journey where she puts forth the idea that the creative mind is different than other minds and that there is a physical reality to the ability to write.  And my response? Cool, maybe that explains why I feel a little out of place, but wait a minute. Let me think a little more on this.

Stop the presses! If we know how the creative mind works, and that indeed can predict the success a writer can experience in the field of novel writing, then can we also predict what sport a child can excel in? Ridiculous!

Well, maybe not. Now there is a DNA test that claims to do the very thing.

If that is possible, then there is a way to determine who should be a CEO, who should be race driver, a waitress, a politician, a cook, etc, etc, etc… How exciting! No more wasting money on a useless degree that at 20 you thought would fulfill your dreams and fill your pockets, but now you hate it and can’t do anything with it! Why worry about dreams because we can know what they will be before you even open your eyes the first time! And with enough advance notice you can do the work necessary to be very successful at your predetermined dream!

Some of this really makes sense to me. I do feel like my brain is made up a little different and that there are some jobs I am just better equipped to handle than others (but this is the same for everyone, so what’s the big deal?).

But, wow, there is a lot about this that scares the crap out of me. It is the old free will vs. determinism argument that keeps popping up. It has been popping up for thousands of years. Just because we have another “Scientific” explanation to support it, doesn’t negate the philosophical argument, it really just gives another set of vocabulary to use (someday I will go on a rant about science, and as a person who has been inundated with both science and philosophy my entire life, it will be a wild ride. But not today, Today the soap box is already getting a little tall).

As I was saying, the argument is hardly new. People on either side still get just as frothy ( I like this visual, I can just see it, two ancient Greek philosophers foaming at the mouth, makes me smile). And me? I am stuck solidly no where on this issue. A piece of me sees that yes, there is a part of a person (call it talent if you want) that gives them an inclination or even a propensity to be good at something. And some people really shouldn’t be doing some things. Doesn’t stop them though, and to be honest, the fact that they are doing it is probably exactly why they should be, if only to remind us of how it shouldn’t be done. (Do you like that logic? I’m still on the fence with that one, but let’s just see where it goes, but later, maybe, if I feel like it).

So, what does this matter? Not a dang thing! Nothing, nada, who cares. It’s like counting the stars, eventually your finger’s get tired, or you skip one and then you just have to start over again. Ultimately it is a practice in frustration because there is just so much that impacts life, what you do, and where you go. There is motivation, desire, inclination, talent, education, experience, responsibilities, dedication, and opportunity. A lot of people talk about luck and talent. I don’t think they really matter, the key is opportunity and motivation.

Opportunity is my favorite. I have a penchant for grabbing them when they come. The big key is to recognize them and push the fear of the unknown aside. Opportunity is not just availability for something to happen, it also includes the ability for it to happen. This could, include talent, if you like using this word. It includes experience, training, education too. But without it all falling into place, it really doesn’t matter which road you took. All the pieces have to fit for it to work. I don’t care how talented you are, you can’t succeed if something or someone didn’t come along to take it to the next level.

And can you take it to the next level if everything all of a sudden just fell into your lap? You had better be ready for it and have the motivation to do what needs to happen to be successful. Because when that button is pushed you have to GO GO GO!

And there you are… my thoughts on that today, but tomorrow, they may change, ideas do that you know… makes for an interesting trip