Monday, August 20, 2007
Are we turning into a bunch of wimps?
I used to think that everyone wanted to become successful and win. I used to believe that somewhere there was a competitive streak in all of us. But I don't think that is the case anymore, as there are two distinctive groups of people today--winners and runner-ups.
Consider this: I have recently taken a new job where we are paid out on comission and our pay checks directly reflect our effort. Now, being as competitive as I am, I use not just my numbers, but my co-workers as well to gauge how well I am doing.
It seems like not everyone is cool with that principle.
What I've seen is that there are some people that just are not competitive. They don't want to win. They just want to get by. They want to keep on in life on the status quo. Winning doesn't matter to them, just as long as they meet their goals.
Now, I relate this simple observation from the workplace into society at-large and I see similar results. Outside of professional sports, do Americans really want to win? Does America want to be the best anymore? Do we have the guts to be the best?
All you have to do is take a look at the cut-and-run movement with our War on Terrorism. Americans have no desire to win the war. They want to retreat despite the major catastrophe that would ensue if we were to leave.
We have the best healthcare system in the world right now. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But for some reason, the goofy politicians think we need universal healthcare just like every other Western civilization. By implementing a universal healthcare system, we are conceding that we want to have the best.
And take a look at the value of the American dollar. It used to be the best currency out there. The American dollar was a sound investment...well, not anymore.
Are we doomed? I sure hope not.
Labels: Strategery
