Po-fucking-tential

       There's nothing more terrifying than a blank page. It has limitless possibilities to be. To be what? Well, see that's why it's terrifying, it can be anything. The next great best-seller, a possible A+ essay, the most concise and to the point page of biology notes. ANYTHING. There's endless potential in a blank sheet of paper. 




      God I hate that word, potential. \pə-ˈten(t)-shəl\ The dictionary defines potential as, "having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something, in the future." Does that mean that currently, you are not using all your potential? What a daunting prospect, to be told that  have the possibility to be someone . In economics, the word potential refers to, "the highest amount of output that can be obtained over a long period of time." Implying that with time, and if you are productive, you can reach your potential. 




     But here's the thing about the word potential. It is a FUTURE tense word, as in "this could happen, potentially…" It recognizes, that you have capability and that you show promise.  Only when you give it your best, will you be at your potential. I don't like that either, for you see, the phrase itself "at your potential" is inadvertently setting a limit on your capabilities. You should not be told, "you have the potential", but rather, " you have endless potential" because you do. You don't just have one potentiality, there is no limit on what you can and can't achieve. 




    Maybe it's not the word itself I hate, but perhaps how it's interpreted. Ah, the beauty of our cold English language. Not so expressive that we are continually having to read in between the lines. Potentiality can be a good motivator; don't get me wrong. It's not an insult for someone to see something in you. Just remember, that living up to your potential isn't the end all be all. You have more than one capability, more than one potentiality, and definitely more than one possibility.