For many years now I have used the phrase “you still have potential.” Potential; do I really understand the meaning? In truth, there are a number of interpretations of the term, potential. AI would characterize the term “potential” referring to “latent, undeveloped, or future capabilities—things that are possible but not yet actualized, such as talent, energy, or risks. It describes something with the inherent ability to grow, succeed, or change, often used in contexts like personal development, physics (energy), or business opportunities.”
And yet, there are more interpretations. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary would breakdown the term as an adjective or a noun. The adjective would describe potential as “existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality … such as potential benefits.” And as a noun, the term can exist as “something that can develop or become actual … such as a potential for change.” Or it can be “ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence … such as the stock’s earning potential is high; the newest player shows great potential; or the school tries to help students reach/realize their full potential.”
On the other hand, “potential can be either good or bad. Studying hard increases the potential for success, but wet roads increase the potential for accidents. But when a person or thing “has potential”, we always expect something good from it in the future. As an adjective (as in “potential losses”, “potential benefits”, etc.), potential usually means simply “possible”. In science, however, the adjective has a special meaning: Potential energy is the kind of stored energy that a boulder sitting at the top of a cliff has (the opposite of kinetic energy, which is what it has as it rolls down that cliff).”
So OK, how does all of this apply when I use the term “potential?” I simplistically have felt that it would mean that I/you/we still may do better than we are presently. I would only think of the positive possibilities. I/you/we may run faster. I/you/we may do better (at whatever it is I/you/we aspire). I never included thinking the opposite. I have never included the possibility of losing.
But wait. I am now at the age where denial of the negative is becoming more difficult. Yes, when using the term in the physics sense such as “potential energy” versus “kinetic energy,” then each time I get out of bed in the morning and move, I am still demonstrating potential. But when I go out for a “run” and find that I continue to slow down despite my maximum effort, I must recognize now that my “potential” has become NOT a “ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence.” But quite the opposite.
That said, it is still potential for “kinetic energy” (ie movement). And I will forever be grateful for that!
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Guest Author Bio
Jack Andrish
I am a retired orthopaedic surgeon living in Cleveland Ohio. However, while visiting my brother-in-law in Key West and watching the world go by as I sat on the porch, I was inspired to record my thoughts and observations.
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