Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

LuisRodg · 2008-04-12 04:46:37

Dont you sometimes feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

As many of you know im a Sophomore in university doing a mathematics major. Yesterday I went to talk to the professor that is in charge of the math club in my university. I said I'd like to join them etc. He was really happy (apparentally they dont get much new members). He asked me what classes I have taken etc and then he said that I was in the perfect time to start preparing for the Putnam etc.

They meet once a week and sometimes they have some random professor give a little lecture on some topics and when theres nothing like that, they just practice for the Putnam. He told me that last year my university placed 28th accross the nation, which I guess is good. All of which really interests me. So needless to say I was really happy.

I got home and started doing some research on the Putnam, I learned that it was probably one of the hardest math tests out there (how does it compare to the GRE math subject test?) but I also found out about some kid that took the Putnam while being in grade 10 in High School and got like 56 points on it. (median score is 1 out 120...)

I got so depressed, its like, sometimes you feel like you havent done anything compared to other people etc. Do you ever feel like this?

bossk171 · 2008-04-12 08:26:17

This is the second post you've put up where you compare yourself to someone else (last time I commented on your step dad). It kind of makes me sound like a jerk, but just chill.

I always wanted to learn to play guitar, but I had all these friends in high school who were amazing musicians and I always thought, "why bother? I'll never compare to them." but a few months ago I decided to just go for it, and I bought a guitar. And you know what? I'm terrible. I'm really, really, bad. But I love it, I really enjoy playing and I've learned a bunch of songs. And every once in a while I start thinking, "I'm getting pretty good" then I go to you tube and watch a bunch of people play just to humble myself.

I think someday, I'll be as good as my friends in high school were, but by that time, they'll be four times better. I'll never catch up, but that's ok with me. I pride myself on my accomplishments, not on me compared to someone else. Think relative talent NOT absolute talent.

MathsIsFun · 2008-04-12 10:13:48

You make a difference. You helped me with my Chess program, for example.

SvenBee · 2008-04-12 17:20:05

I know what you mean Luis, I'm a senior in high school and when we go to Mu Alpha Theta (mat club) tournaments and things like that there are kids in 8th and 9th grade that are taking the same calc test that I am, and scoring better. I get the same feeling that you do, but then I think to myself that not every person is the same and that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Also I think about how unimportant it really is in the scheme of things b/c there really isn't anything more important than being content with yourself, whatever your level may be. I'm not saying it's not good to improve, but it's always a good idea to focus more on your achievements than your shortcomings.

Hope this helped.

John E. Franklin · 2008-04-13 16:19:50

Actually, I never feel that way, Luis.
I don't know why, but I've always been happy all
my life, no matter what strange things went
through my mind, I was always happy.
I guess I'm just the lucky one!!
Good Luck, though, try spinning in
a circle as fast as you can outside to
get some fresh air. That always works.
If you spin enough, eventually you won't
even get dizzy anymore, plus walking
on your hands is a fun hobby to learn.

JaneFairfax · 2008-04-13 17:10:03

Most of the time I feel that people arent sufficiently appreciating what Ive accomplished in my life.

Identity · 2008-04-13 20:42:28

Dude... nobody's accomplished nothing in their life. Everybody has a specialised set of skills to contribute to the world, whether they are social, scientific, sporting, or other. If you look at someone else the same age as you, while he may be a maths freak, that means he's spent less time on other things. Even chilling with friends is teaching you important social skills that he will probably not have. Think of each attribute as a bar on a graph. If someone is the same age as you they will have a different spread, but the combined area of his bars will be the same as yours.

But enough of that, what's most important is to just be content with what you have. So many people in this world don't have the skills you have. Be grateful and be happy and enjoy life. And if you want to increase your math skills just practice and you'll get there... all it takes is time.

SvenBee · 2008-04-14 07:30:04

Way to take it out of context and make it about yourself Jane (even if you are beautiful and an amazingly talented mathematician; I'm not a drag up). And of course we appreciate what you do.

P.S. Please not the irony of me bumping this by calling to attention Jane taking this out of context and thus taking it out of context myself.

P.P.S. I can name some important things that you've accomplished Luis. The most important of which is: helping all of those people on this forum that don't understand what's going on and have questions. Thank you.

John E. Franklin · 2008-04-14 16:38:09

There's nothing wrong with Jane deserving some admiration.
She is nothing less than incredible, though!!

SvenBee · 2008-04-14 18:03:56

I know she most definitely deserves it, I'm just poking fun at her.

MathsIsFun · 2008-04-15 01:09:35

Phew ... I could see this getting out of hand!

Anyway, Luis, you are just getting started with your life, right? You have no idea the wonders you may create

LuisRodg · 2008-04-15 04:35:26

Now that I read my post again, I realize it was a little bit too dramatic and emo. I certainly didnt want it to turn out like that.

I dont think theres nothing wrong in comparing yourself with other people since it gives you something to work towards (as long as it doesnt include jealousy and the like).

As I said, theres always people better than you in something. But as someone here mentioned, they are probably lacking on other aspects. Such as social life etc.

Yes MathIsFun, im young, im just 18

Anyways, thanks all for your posts.

Identity · 2008-05-01 02:44:04

Yeah, whenever I see someone better than me at something, it gives me a heap of inspiration to reach that level. Without these amazing people, I would be lazy and dumb, with nothing to aspire to and no one to compare to to see how I'm progressing.

Math Is Fun Forum

#1 2008-04-12 04:46:37

Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#2 2008-04-12 08:26:17

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#3 2008-04-12 10:13:48

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#4 2008-04-12 17:20:05

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#5 2008-04-13 16:19:50

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#6 2008-04-13 17:10:03

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#7 2008-04-13 20:42:28

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#8 2008-04-14 07:30:04

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#9 2008-04-14 16:38:09

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#10 2008-04-14 18:03:56

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#11 2008-04-15 01:09:35

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#12 2008-04-15 04:35:26

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

#13 2008-05-01 02:44:04

Re: Dont you feel like you have accomplished nothing in your life?

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