Suppose you were asked for advice about how to achieve a goal, whether in academics, sports, the arts or anything else. What would you say?
Would you talk about being organized or being good at managing your time? Would you share techniques for staying focused? Would you mention positive self-talk or having a mantra?
Would you ever suggest seeking a competitive edge — perhaps choosing someone in the class, game or audition and trying to do better than that person? Has that ever worked for you?
In the guest essay “Why You, Too, Need a Nemesis,” published in February, the writer Rachel Feintzeig recommends exactly that: When you’ve tried everything else, trying making an enemy. She writes:
You do not have to actually start a brawl or commit a crime or generally do something you’ll regret. Honestly, it’s probably better if you don’t tell anyone at all. Outside, I appear to be a perky suburban mother of two powered by chai lattes and a solid work ethic. Inside, I’m entertaining a vivid revenge fantasy starring both my college boyfriend and someone I worked with in 2008. This is the key to pretty much every personal and professional accomplishment I’ve achieved since then.
Many successful people understand the power of a grudge — athletes, pop stars, your mother-in-law, our president. Kendrick Lamar clearly gets it. On the first Sunday of the month, he turned his feud with Drake into multiple Grammys. On the second Sunday, he converted it into a rousing halftime show at the Super Bowl. I am excited to see what he has in store for the remainder of February.
Emotion can pick up the slack even after training and talent have reached their limits.
Research by a professor at the Wharton School found that underdogs perform better because they want to prove others wrong. Research by me (unscientific) has found that it feels really good to stick it to people who doubted you. Even if only silently in your head.
Students, read the entire essay and then tell us:
What do you think of the idea of getting a nemesis to motivate yourself? Did Ms. Feintzeig convince you to try it?
Do you think there are ever drawbacks to motivating oneself in this way?
Do you now or have you ever had a nemesis in the classroom, sports, a competition or an audition — whether outwardly or just inside your own head? If so, tell us about that experience. Did it push you to work harder, as Ms. Feintzeig suggests, or did it only distract you from your goals?
The essay mentions several famous people, like Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and Michael Jordan, who have channeled personal feuds and grievances into great art and inspiring athletic feats. Do you find these celebrity beefs and rivalries entertaining? Do you have a favorite one? Why do you think people might enjoy this kind of competition?
How would you describe Ms. Feintzeig’s tone? Is she sincere throughout the essay? Do you find that, at some moments, she’s more playful? How does her tone affect her message?
How do you keep yourself motivated when striving for a goal? Does being competitive work for you? If not, what does?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.
