Aptitude tests are important. They tell us what we are smart at and what needs improvement in our brain. However, they might not tell you what you are passionate about. If you are mediocre at something, but passionate about it, you might become amazing at it in time.
Aptitude tests in England in the 1700’s
Just out of curiosity, I went into a trance and went back to the 1700’s in England to see how aptitude tests were given. I saw an older gentleman in one of those triangular hats watching a few strapping young lads take a written examination. They were being sized up to see what type of career they would be good for. They were from a good class, well dressed, and their futures were bright. At the end of the hour long exam, the elderly man looked at his hour glass and said, “We’re out of time lads.” He looked at the score results from Tommy and said, “Tommy, you’re best suited to be a pirate!”
A boy was deemed best suited to be a pirate!
Tommy was so happy. “A pirate, that’s what I’ve always dreamed of being!” The old man said, “Hope you don’t mind having a wooden leg and tropical birds as friends.” “No trouble, I’ll be so drunk on rum I won’t even notice — I’ll get out my sword for some sword practice right away sir …. a pirate I shall be, a pirate I shall be — a pirate, a pirate, a pirate I shall be.”
In any case, the way aptitude tests were given back in the day stressed very basic scholastic skills. Most people did whatever their father did and were locked into a rigid caste system. These days, you can do whatever you are qualified to do. It’s harder since your father generally teaches you nothing if he is even ever there! But, the bottom line here is that if you are the reincarnation of that kid from the 1700’s, you might be destined to be a computer pirate! When they put a virus on your computer, it would be more interesting if they said, “Walk the plank!”
But, these sophisticated tests test how smart you are. What really counts is your commitment. Many who go to mediocre schools rise to the top because they stick with something year after year. It is harder for women to become CEO’s, but those who stick to the program at the same company for 20 years often rise to the top while the men go job hopping. So, forget about what you love, and do what you can commit to. Doing a job is like a marriage. You have to stick to it in sickness and in healthy. Your temporary love affair with a particular job might not last in the long-term.
Don’t do what you love
Do what you can commit to