Americans are a hopeful people.
It's common to hear folks openly express a desire to be better, in some way or another.
Perhaps, it's more of the Hollywood Effect that we discussed a few weeks ago.
Or maybe, it's just the natural tendency to self-actualization: in its original context as proposed by organismic theorist Kurt Goldstein, the master motive, or simply the driving force that leads one to maximize his abilities and map his path in life.
When asked what they would most like to be, 43% of American chose "richer," as noted in the new Harris Poll of U.
S.
adults.
But not everyone wants to be richer; at least it appears that richer is not their first choice.
21% of Americans chose "thinner," 14% "smarter," and 12% younger.
" No doubt, at least for a population that has a low self-esteem and high anxiety, there is both pain and opportunity associated with all four choices.
Choices not given, such as "happier" and "healthier" might have changed the outcome were they included, but for the moment let's consider only those listed in the Harris study.
* While men and women differ on their choices above, except in smarter where both tallied 14%, some surprises surfaced.
As to younger, 16% of men and only 8% of woman chose this one.
So much for women lying about their age! That "thinner" was the clear second choice is encouraging.
It may mean that people are more aware of the rising rate of obesity in the US.
A shocking 73% of Americans are overweight and obese.
(CDC) The report concludes that "...
the largest percentages of Americans' desires represent changes that are more or less achievable, through smart choices, hard work and dedication.
On the other hand, Americans who want to be younger should just keep dreaming.
" Clearly, at least in the opinion of the pollsters we can do something about each! It is even possible to reduce the effects of age.
The ROI This column may have its merits, but its signature idea is the ROI.
That is, return on investment.
We have often heard that we get what we give, nothing ventured nothing gained, no pain no gain, and countless other ditties that encourage the spirit in us.
It may be the mental season to seize an opportunity to drop a few pounds, but dropping a hundred might take more than conscience and convenience to move the spirit.
That said many have accomplished everything above-richer, thinner, smarter, and younger.
Just how did they do it? Richer-Hard work often delivers better results, but knowing where you're going is a surer method.
First, invest in yourself; it's the best way to riches known to man, and this has never changed.
A few may have the wisdom, funds and connections to catch a rising star-Facebook, Google, Apple-but a closer look reveals a plan and the hard work of execution over time.
Persistence pays! This is America-anyone can be richer if they try.
Thinner-I lost 15 pounds over the past few months.
I wanted to and I relied on a proven method-eat less, move more.
It's surprising how "simple things" really work.
True, I'm naturally active, work full days at the office, and I love gardening and working around the yard.
But I also love to cook and consider myself a "foodie.
" People around me have trimmed significantly more than I, some dropping 35 to over 100 pounds, and through different methods.
The conclusion: thinner is very doable.
Smarter-I often say that I got through college five minutes at a time.
There was never enough time to get all the studying in that was required of me, so I learned a technique that made the difference-focus.
I discovered that when I had the least time I would focus more narrowly on the task at hand.
It allowed me to learn at an accelerated rate.
I find interest in many things, so I pursue them to my delight.
I am certain that my post Ivy education is countless times greater than that represented by my degrees.
Younger-I recently discovered that damaged nerves were limiting the range of motion in one shoulder, making it harder for me to do simple things as easily as before, such as combing my hair.
The physical and occupational therapies prescribed to ameliorate the condition did not substantially help.
But they made me stronger and helped me to fashion a model of healthy exercise and eating that is combating aging.
It is in each of us to do better; it's natural to the human condition.
It requires vision, a view of where we want go and how to get there-one step at a time.
And one more thing: the will to do so.
More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin.
*Source: Harris Interactive, August 2010
It's common to hear folks openly express a desire to be better, in some way or another.
Perhaps, it's more of the Hollywood Effect that we discussed a few weeks ago.
Or maybe, it's just the natural tendency to self-actualization: in its original context as proposed by organismic theorist Kurt Goldstein, the master motive, or simply the driving force that leads one to maximize his abilities and map his path in life.
When asked what they would most like to be, 43% of American chose "richer," as noted in the new Harris Poll of U.
S.
adults.
But not everyone wants to be richer; at least it appears that richer is not their first choice.
21% of Americans chose "thinner," 14% "smarter," and 12% younger.
" No doubt, at least for a population that has a low self-esteem and high anxiety, there is both pain and opportunity associated with all four choices.
Choices not given, such as "happier" and "healthier" might have changed the outcome were they included, but for the moment let's consider only those listed in the Harris study.
* While men and women differ on their choices above, except in smarter where both tallied 14%, some surprises surfaced.
As to younger, 16% of men and only 8% of woman chose this one.
So much for women lying about their age! That "thinner" was the clear second choice is encouraging.
It may mean that people are more aware of the rising rate of obesity in the US.
A shocking 73% of Americans are overweight and obese.
(CDC) The report concludes that "...
the largest percentages of Americans' desires represent changes that are more or less achievable, through smart choices, hard work and dedication.
On the other hand, Americans who want to be younger should just keep dreaming.
" Clearly, at least in the opinion of the pollsters we can do something about each! It is even possible to reduce the effects of age.
The ROI This column may have its merits, but its signature idea is the ROI.
That is, return on investment.
We have often heard that we get what we give, nothing ventured nothing gained, no pain no gain, and countless other ditties that encourage the spirit in us.
It may be the mental season to seize an opportunity to drop a few pounds, but dropping a hundred might take more than conscience and convenience to move the spirit.
That said many have accomplished everything above-richer, thinner, smarter, and younger.
Just how did they do it? Richer-Hard work often delivers better results, but knowing where you're going is a surer method.
First, invest in yourself; it's the best way to riches known to man, and this has never changed.
A few may have the wisdom, funds and connections to catch a rising star-Facebook, Google, Apple-but a closer look reveals a plan and the hard work of execution over time.
Persistence pays! This is America-anyone can be richer if they try.
Thinner-I lost 15 pounds over the past few months.
I wanted to and I relied on a proven method-eat less, move more.
It's surprising how "simple things" really work.
True, I'm naturally active, work full days at the office, and I love gardening and working around the yard.
But I also love to cook and consider myself a "foodie.
" People around me have trimmed significantly more than I, some dropping 35 to over 100 pounds, and through different methods.
The conclusion: thinner is very doable.
Smarter-I often say that I got through college five minutes at a time.
There was never enough time to get all the studying in that was required of me, so I learned a technique that made the difference-focus.
I discovered that when I had the least time I would focus more narrowly on the task at hand.
It allowed me to learn at an accelerated rate.
I find interest in many things, so I pursue them to my delight.
I am certain that my post Ivy education is countless times greater than that represented by my degrees.
Younger-I recently discovered that damaged nerves were limiting the range of motion in one shoulder, making it harder for me to do simple things as easily as before, such as combing my hair.
The physical and occupational therapies prescribed to ameliorate the condition did not substantially help.
But they made me stronger and helped me to fashion a model of healthy exercise and eating that is combating aging.
It is in each of us to do better; it's natural to the human condition.
It requires vision, a view of where we want go and how to get there-one step at a time.
And one more thing: the will to do so.
More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin.
*Source: Harris Interactive, August 2010