ETA: Okay, I've recently found out that this quote is not Vonnegut, although he did write something similar to this in a letter to schoolchildren. That letter was posted to three--ring's blog with her commentary posted below. Her commentary was copy-pasted to Facebook as being written by Vonnegut, and it's been passed around that way ever since. Proof here.
I'm fixing this post with proper attribution. I did do a quick web search before posting this, but apparently it was too quick. Bleagh.
i used to feel this way about a lot of stuff. most of it comes from my parents constantly moving the bar for acceptable achievement. everything i did, like literally everything, there was a minimum of performance they expected and if i was able to exceed it that became the new bar. you can only do that to a kid so many times before they learn trying isnt worth the effort. i only ever tried at things i really liked and wanted to try to be the best at, but i would beat the shit out of myself for not being the best and would only ever feel relief at my achievements.
somewhat recently i started getting more into climbing, and the approach ive taken is that im not really trying to get better. if i have fun and get tired i consider that a good session, and a great session is one where i socialize with someone. its been so much more fun approaching it this way than any other way ive done sports. some days i deliberately half ass it, giving up when things get just a little too hard or just going home if im not feeling it. the best part is despite not giving it my all im getting a lot better because im showing up consistently and just enjoying the puzzle of a new route. i wish my parents had cultivated this approach in me as a kid. i would have had such a healthier relationship with sports and probably would have ended up doing better than i did and not quit quite as early.
Ugghh same. Expected to do well in school so why would they praise me for doing well? Expected to so well at extra curriculars so why praise? I stopped doing much.
I started a garden last year. I kept going this year. They suck ass and aren't optimized or doing well. I still have tomatoes. I'll still plant a garden next year.