Like Sisyphus, we all have our rock(s) to roll up the hill. We all approach the opportunity with different attitudes (or should I say grattitudes). As an educator, I see these daily. I also see that our approach is often a product of our upbringing and our community. But, despite our parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, politicians, etc., we are responsible for how we approach the challenges of this thing called “life”.
Some simply choose to just give up and refuse to roll the rock up the hill. As such, we remain forever at the bottom of the hill. In some regard, there are pockets of society that encourage this—”you can’t do it; let someone else” or “you shouldn’t have to do this”, etc. The result is neither success or failure—stagnation instead of growth.
Some demand that the hill be removed. This is increasingly apparent (to me, as an educator) with the growth of “lawnmower parenting” and what I would call “lawnmower educators”. This is less a choice of this type of Sisyphus and more of a habit that is unwittingly developed. We grow to expect that any and all obstacles in life should and will be removed in life.
Others, knowing that the task is challenging, seek or accept help with the desire to acquire the capacity to continue of their own accord. In my 21-plus years of teaching at the collegiate level, I have had numerous students who, coming out of poor academic situations, have recognized the magnitude of the challenge before them (both the size of the rock and the grade of the hill), accepted their deficiencies, sought help, pushed their share of the weight, and overcame. All of these have gone on to do more with their education than they ever imagined.
Some stubbornly go it alone. Capable? Perhaps, but certainly determined. Some may not need the help—having been challenged my smaller hills and rocks along the way. Others simply have faith in themselves. Some need help but refuse or don’t know to ask and, thus, get stuck at the bottom eternally pushing with little to no progress.
Then, there is the Sisyphus who lives for the challenge—who awakens each day enthusiastic for the opportunity that lies before them. Such people thrive on the challenge. They understand that growth comes from the challenge. They see the “overload principle” at work in life, so they pursue the bigger rock and the bigger hill.
Self-efficacy is rarely an inherent trait. It is learned. As such, we all have a hand in the success of others. In life, we benefit society little by removing the obstacles. Likewise, we benefit little if some are left to struggle at the bottom with rocks that are overwhelming. This is also not to say that we should add unnecessarily to the burden (that is, we should push against the effort; though we should provide greater challenges where warranted). We benefit society by allowing just enough of a rock and hill to stimulate growth. As parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, politicians, etc., we need recognize the benefit of effort in the growth of society. Personally, I believe we benefit more by allowing our young to struggle than by lessening the obstacles. Minimal help (with an appropriate “overload”) is better than removing the challenges. Our children are much more suited to the role of Sisyphus than we give them credit.
The “curse” of Sisyphus can be seen as hell or as opportunity. It is a matter of perspective. It is a matter of choice. It is also a habit that is taught.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!