Blogs : Matt Eicheldinger

Working hard, or hardly working?

One of the most difficult aspects of life is watching people receive benefits and accolades they don’t deserve. These people show little signs of hard work, but are continually rewarded for their unreliable and selfish acts. As much as I despise these people, it is impossible not to be jealous of them.

There is a fine line between being “right” and being “jealous” when it comes to judging situations that we deem are “wrong”, and I believe a majority of this stems from the fact that most of us refuse to count the opportunities we are blessed to have. Depending on the situation, you might feel jaded or fed-up with a decision that was made but honestly, how many of us truly appreciate the gifts we were given?

Unfortunately though, even after counting the blessings, we still find it difficult to be content with what we do have, especially when a glimpse of success rises and we are not able to receive it, even after all the hard work we’ve put in. It hurts. What makes me not worthy of this title? Why can’t I have that chance? Haven’t I earned it?

Two types of people come out of this situation. The first group persistently complains until they have exhausted all of their energy for a decision that was already put into play. They might be “right”, but their consistent complaining keeps them stuck in neutral, and any goals they had will be squashed by their own accord. Then there is the second group. They do not spend their time griping. Instead, they learn from the situation and rise above it by setting new goals and establishing a foundation that many will consider to be outstanding. These are the hard workers, and they will grow even stronger.

For those of you who work hard but have not been commended for it, stay focused. The people who have failed you will make you stronger, and you will succeed.

Quote of the day: “It sucks now, but only for now. It’ll get better.” –Dan Schield

I can relate

1:35 PM, April 12, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

You summed up my current situation perfectly. I attend high school at Williamsburg IA and our coach takes only a select few of us to the Drake Relays. I'm now in my junior year and I still haven't gone to the meet. I do everything possible for the team and my efforts fall a few inches short of another athlete on our team. This same athlete is in my class and is returning to Drake yet again. The biggest problem I have is that he misses practices and just shows up for meets he wants to compete at. It gets very frustrating!

I'll take your advice and rise above. I have a whole season ahead of me and my senior year after that. Thanks for your words of wisdom/motivation.

Untitled Comment

12:31 AM, April 13, 2008 .. Posted by missjudy

Wise words such as these can only be posted from a heart that has cared enough to work through collisions of hurts and frustrations. It is a heart that refuses to harden because of the injustices that have wounded it but instead becomes one that realizes it is not the circumstances that are dealt to us but how we respond to those situations. A heart that is able to offer kindness and grace when none is deserved. One that believes in the sweat and the endurance of the race and not just the glory of the finish line (speaking of the race of life as well as track). Well, that is a heart that beats in rhythm with God Himself. So as you end your blog entries with "God bless," we all know that it is coming from a heart that means it cuz it knows it. God continue to bless YOU, dear runner! This was a great read.

Well Said.

3:06 PM, April 14, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Wow, I wish I could of read this 8 years ago when I was in college. I am a graduate of Bowdion College in Brunswick, Maine where is was a four year Track athlete. I have to agree with the comment above me, I have not forgotten it. A situation like you have explained Matt happen when I was in college and I have to say that I was like person number one. I could never get over it. I had lost so much respect for my coach that it was just to hard to put in the time and effort if it meant nothing to my coach. However I have become quite successful and with my old college being division 3 the athletics do not get much money and I have always wanted to give back to the track program but I have not because I still do not trust the judgment of the coach. Although I like the man I do not trust his ethics and I believe that no matter how good you are if you don't put in the effort you shouldn’t get special treatment. To anybody else who maybe read this and be in the same situation, take Matt’s advices and use it as motivation. Don’t let it get you down, just use it to make you better and show your coach how important hard work and dedication is. Be the face and unspoken leader amongst your team.