The LIE in Believing
Old School thinking hasn’t changed in 2011 because that’s what we grew up believing:
I grew up believing following orders is a good thing.
I grew up believing if I keep my silly expression in place for too long my face will be like that forever.
I grew up believing coasting is possible (the Homer Simpson lifestyle).
I grew up believing what I’m learning in school would have value when I was On The Outside.
I grew up believing adults: especially in business and government have good intentions and are busy creating a future worth living in.
I grew up believing adults: especially in business and government are inspired and talented individuals surrounded by and constantly implementing good ideas.
I grew up believing I can trust the police.
I grew up believing somebody else would do it…somebody else would clean up the environment, somebody else would help the poor…somebody else never me.
I grew up believing somebody else could lead.
I grew up believing I am not a leader.
I grew up believing I’m a replaceable cog in many machines: work, the economy and society.
I grew up believing working hard for somebody else is a good and ideal scenario.
I grew up believing working 9 to 5 makes sense for everybody.
I grew up believing hard work would keep me from being laid off.
I grew up believing I should feel guilty when I took too long on a break at work. Or took a break at all.
I grew up believing I should not call in sick.
I grew up believing work-life balance is possible.
I grew up believing in being reactive instead of proactive.
I grew up believing fear keeps me safe.
I grew up believing education and a job are more stable than following an artistic muse.
I grew up believing there is no money or reward for the risk of going into an artistic career.
I grew up believing the odds of “making it” are too great.
I grew up believing a job would be ready for me after I graduated from university.
I grew up believing once I had graduated from university, once I got my job…I’d fulfilled my social contracts and I’d be left alone.
I grew up believing we all had to marry and we all had to have kids.
I grew up believing singleness has no value or purpose.
I grew up believing I am the only one who feel this way.
I grew up believing in a safety net: do what you’re told, pay your taxes and you’ll earn a pension.
I grew up believing in happily ever after.
What did you grow up believing? Will this foolish thinking cease in 2012?
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Also published on Medium.