You will not be immediately extraordinary at anything
The scam of 'natural aptitude' and the Zack Morris fallacy
Greetings kind folks and friends! Thank you for being here! Mwah! If you are new, or to recap: This newsletter exists to share stories and cull wisdom in hopes of encouraging you (and me too) in overcoming self-imposed creative limits (like embarrassment or fear).
This week: I’ve always regretted my score on the SATs. I’ve traced its origin back to a single episode of Saved By The Bell and how it led me to one of my biggest limiting beliefs.
Next week: No newsletter, folks! I need to focus on my show.
Songpairing
*** I enjoy the synth scales in this song. It sounds like practicing piano, but with the enthusiasm and joy of a child. ***
The belief I wish I had picked up in childhood:
You will not be immediately extraordinary at anything, but it does not mean you shouldn’t do it.
The belief I actually picked up (and carried until about five years ago):
If you have natural aptitude for an activity or skill, you will excel without effort.
I blame Saved By The Bell.
In 1991 or so, I saw an episode in which the gang took the SATs.
Zack, the Casanova-n’er-do-well of the bunch, scored a 15001 without any studying, and everyone was dumbfounded. He scored higher than the straight-A-studious Jessie Spano, who did not handle it well.
The explanation given was that Zack was naturally gifted.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to A Maudlin Housewife's Music to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.