Oh, I don't believe the opposite of potential is failure. On the
   contrary, I believe that a judgement of "potential" has "you are
   currently failing to meet expectations" embedded into it
   sometimes.

   Now, if the concept of potential is utilized *properly*, which
   in many cases I believe it is... and there is a support-net that
   encourages the DEVELOPMENT of potential, then it is a good
   thing.

   But sometimes "has potential" becomes "had potential".

   I try to keep potential alive within myself through inspiration.

   I try to encourage through inspiration, online and offline, in
   following interests and utilizing whatever tools are available
   for the accomplishment of one's goals and/or dreams.

   See, it depends who is holding the carving knife, if there is a
   carving knife at all.

   "Potential" can = a clay form. Carve away the unwanted pieces to
   shape the potential clay form into the desired result.

   "Potential" can also = internal productivity which, when
   unleashed outwardly, can become a force of change of some kind
   that is seen by the world.

   I prefer the 2nd view of potential but too often the clay form
   is what's used. Not everybody is an artist and there is an art
   to education, wherever it takes place.