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Destination Inspiration
May 2009
The Wimpy
Philosophy
By Lisbeth
Anne Marín
Motivational
Speaker
Professional
Development Consultant
All around us
society is settling into a new reality as we wrap our minds around the
financial debacle that has befallen our great nation. It has become
disturbingly clear… we’re not in OZ anymore Dorothy. We are indeed
crossing a threshold in history that will forever alter the level of
trust given to the people at the top.
Conversely,
this upsetting of the apple cart is motivating people to modify their
approach to the future by embracing stoic attitudes of the past.
Perhaps we’re actually going back to the future when customers were
revered, jobs were respectfully given our utmost effort and dinner
plates were expected to be cleaned. Vacations were a luxury, a penny
saved wasn’t optional and eating out was reserved for special occasions.
Reason being, there wasn’t a huge credit industry in those days. If
you wanted something, you first longed for it and then diligently saved
enough to buy or put it on lay-away. Not quite as glamorous as seeing
it on TV, rushing to a Megamart breaking out the plastic and adding
whatever to your arsenal of limited value, disposable gadgets.
There’s a
mode of behavior prevailing among Generation-Y, many of whom own
a phone costing a month’s rent yet they’re still living at home.
They’re staying longer because their value system has been stung by the
instant gratification bug. They enjoy every comfort at home so why
leave. There are Microwaved munchies, sophisticated game systems, home
theatres and nearly new models as first cars. Let me be candid, I am
eligible for strikes against me in this department. We all want to give
our kids more than we had but look at the mess Generation-X is
in. As adults they’ve continued the indulgence cultivated at home by
financing too much for upscale houses and pricey rides they can’t
afford. They’ve bought into the hype of Mani’s & Pedi’s or
expensive cups of gourmet Joe on a regular basis. What wisdom are we
gaining?
Do you
remember
Wimpy, the character in the Popeye
cartoon? He was always mooching food from Bluto at the Rough House
Café. In an aristocratic voice he would declare “I’ll gladly pay you
on Tuesday for a Hamburger today?” Then he would consume massive
quantities of burgers, obliviously getting deeper in debt. His
catch-phrase epitomizes the attitude that’s gotten everyone in trouble.
Even as kids we realized that Wimpy’s thought process was outlandish.
You simply cannot avoid paying the piper …so now, as we hear the shrill
sound of pipes on the media, the marketplace and headlined on every
publication…do we get it?
When you live
within your means, it’s not such a long drop to the bottom. Poor folk
aren’t feeling the ‘09 pinch the same as privileged people. Without a
doubt, if they lose their job it hits them hard but they’ve never owned
stock, live in humble houses, drive average cars and their day to day is
less affected by Wall Street woes. It’s tough to tighten your belt when
you’re already on the last notch!
Therefore, if
you’re just hanging in there…I propose you climb up or drop off. Get a
more realistic grip on what’s important. Demand value; develop a sense
of appreciation for the simple things. And never ever doubt that
American’s will draw strength from this historic period. With renewed
abilities we’ll tough it out and reinvent prosperity, the old fashioned
way…by doing without and working for it!
Lisbeth Anne
Marín is a Motivational Speaker & Professional Development Consultant
specializing in interpersonal, team building and organizational
development skills. She presents a wide array of staff development
training programs, motivational seminars and interactive workshops.
www.lisbethanne.com |
