Pushing Yourself to Succeed: Are You Fulfilling a High School Prophecy?

Success.  Does it serve as a driving force or is it a curse?  The Wall Street Journal recently talked to people voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in high school to see if this designation served as a blessing or a curse for their careers.  Most of us who completed college and law school could be characterized as somewhat driven, but is it because we are self motivated, or trying not to disappoint the expectations others have for us?

WSJ.com interviewed several people voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by their high school classmates.  With accomplished careers and good salaries under their belts, some say they still aren't certain they've lived up to that title and report an increased sense of pressure and self-doubt.  In a recent survey by MemoryLane.com, one-third of those participants who were voted most likely to succeed characterized the title as a curse.  Four out of ten winners of the title who were surveyed consider it an inspiration. 

It makes sense that the same behaviors that drove the winners of the title to succeed in high school carry through as adults.   A  Social Sciences study of high schoolers  conducted at the University of Illinois found that students with the behaviors typically exhibited by "most likely to succeed" winners meant 12% better earning power over peers ten years after high school.  The tell-tale traits include superior social skills, good work ethic and more extracurricular activities. 

Some schools are steering clear of these titles because of the pressure the good titles can create and the damaging effects of negative titles such as "worst reputation" or "least likely to succeed."  The journal report notes that 20 years ago nearly 75% of high schools bestowed these student-elected titles.  Today only about 25% of high school yearbooks include those designations.

Source:

WSJ.com

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