Frazz by Jef Mallett for March 13, 2016

So what is wrong with competence? Why insist that someone has to excell at some thing. If you enjoy what you are doing, the way that you do it, there is no need to be the better than the rest or even to strive to improve.

Now everyone gets a trophy! Yea!

slow & steady wins the race

I’m guessing Angus swims for the fun of it.

" to maintain is easier than to attain". Angus is happy with his current self. Leave him alone. Yeah, Frazz, you’re like the guy who always wants to turn an afternoon slow spokes ride into a tour de whatever…

I thinks some of you are missing the point. However, I’m surprised Jeff Mallett didn’t make the point that swimming will make Angus a better runner than he already is. Also, being a “natural” only gives an advantage if you practice. I also recall a line from an old movie:

“If he is the best … … with whom does he comepete?”“Himself.”If you want to excel, that’s how it’s done.

Hey, it’s good exercise, you don’t have to do it fast! If everybody did that, it would make us all in better shape…..

This all depends on the kid’s age. He’s in school, and the habits of a lifetime take root early. Should the school teach that laissez-faire low effort is the way to go, or should Angus be introduced to the idea that “sheer plod makes plough down sillion shine”? We all have a choice, whatever we’re taught. He can choose to pursue whatever level of achievement he wants. At least teach him the consequences of the choices he makes, and let him use his own foresight and determination.