As a leader of over forty years, I understand the power of positive affirmations, but there has to be a limit to the level of praise. Rewarding mediocrity started with the children, and as with any indoctrination, it grows as the children grow.
Embracing mediocrity goes against everything Americans were taught to believe. Throughout U.S. history, hard work has been highly valued, dating back to the Puritans who started building this country, on the belief that labor was inextricably linked with salvation. The concept of the “American Dream”, popularized in the 1930s, has always emphasized progress, striving to be better as both individuals and a people. The original mindset of personal development included moral character and the understanding that work was not only expected, but it was also required, and that not everyone would be a winner at everything they endeavored to do.
It started with children sports, in the 1990s and fast-forward to 2022, many people were quitting their jobs, leading to the phenomenon dubbed the “Great Resignation”. Some even embraced “quiet quitting”, doing the bare minimum at work without formally resigning. The desire for a “lazy-job”, low-stress and high-pay, became pervasive.
Without a doubt, mediocrity is preferable to misery and pursuing excellence is more taxing than just doing enough to keep the boss off your case.
Federal data show a rising preference for part-time work, and the idea of a four-day workweek is being considered. People are even wanting to change the definition of laziness.
Is the “American Dream” dead or dying? If so, what will be the legacy of the children of future generations.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”