The Greatness ProjectTM
Different Values June 2006
Is a societal shift revealing a major change in how we value ourselves and each other? There seems to be a growing trend in the US to work either part or full time during retirement. This is being driven by a number of factors, not least of which is the fact that many reach retirement without the necessary savings. They are “forced” to do work to supplement their income or to provide medical benefits. Others continue working because it offers them a purpose. We think something else more insidious may be involved: the notion that simply relaxing is unacceptable. This philosophical shift cuts directly to what we consider of value. It deserves our careful consideration.
Last week, we were invited to a retirement party for a friend who is a senior executive at a global company. A day later he called to chat and we had the opportunity to congratulate him. As part of the conversation we asked what he was going to do during retirement. “Nothing,” he said. We questioned his wisdom, suggesting that he might want to either continue working or become involved in a philanthropic endeavor. His reply was eye-opening. “I’ve been preparing for this moment since I was 18 years old,” he said. “I just want to relax and enjoy life.”
After the phone call ended, we talked about how we had been seduced into the idea that people had to do something in retirement. More serious was how we were reinforcing the underlying notion that it is simply unacceptable to do nothing; there’s only value in doing.
Many of us grew up being told that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” Being busy would give us no time to get into trouble. As we listen currently to parents and kids talk about their crazy schedules, we observe how this dictum has been taken to a whole new level. Children no longer spend long, lazy summer afternoons as their imagination and spontaneity dictate. Today’s children are so completely scheduled they have little or no relaxation time. Adults tend to create even more restricting schedules for themselves. Over-commitment and exhaustion are the norm for everyone.
There is a growing belief that we are what we do or what we produce; that the value of being human is only in what we give back to society or what we have gathered for ourselves. Notice how often many of us describe who we are relative to the jobs we do. We describe ourselves as homemakers, managers, consultants, authors, accountants, and the like. When asked, “How are you doing?” we often reply with a litany of what we’ve accomplished ? as though someone was keeping track. The benefit of this belief system is that people are encouraged to be functioning members of society, giving back in whatever way they can. Yet it also challenges how we value our life. Are we still valuable if we cannot (or choose not to) produce?
Consider that there are those who believe differently about their value and the value of others. They believe each human being is a treasure and that life becomes more precious by taking time to reflect on it. They remain unconvinced of the notion that production and ownership defines success. Rather, they create their work around their life, leaving time to enjoy moments and people.
These two different notions of human value confront us each day. Which one do you choose to live?
The Greatness ProjectTM is researched and written by:
Scott Asalone & Jan Sparrow
Copyright © ASGMC, Inc. 2006