Perspective

From time to time it’s good to reflect on what is important in life. That's the basis for having  perspective. It helps ground us. In separating the trivial from the substantial, it’s often necessary to look below the surface. In the end perspective saves time and energy.

I am reminded of this by many of the advertisements and news stories I run across daily. I recognize how so many people waste their time chasing things they don’t need and get into trouble making decisions based on appearance. 

Remember, economic understanding tells us that companies don’t keep trying to sell items that people don’t buy. They don’t sustain advertising approaches that don’t show results. This also applies to the news media and politicians who are also interested in drawing in viewers or voters. The ads we see, the news we hear and the political messages are good indicators of underlying behavioral patterns.

One indicator of a lack of perspective is the constant supply of tips and tricks to declutter. A quick search on line gives access to 5 ways, 10 creative ways, 9 secrets, 15 great tips and 100 tips to declutter. They reference Zen habits, minimalist philosophy and provide links to professionals who will walk you through it. The message in all these is that many Americans have accumulated more than they need to the point where they don’t know where to start solving the problem.

And speaking of things you probably don’t need…

How about an automated floss dispenser that acts as an alarm clock to remind up to two people that it’s time to floss and makes a red frowny face when you miss the deadline? You can buy it for about $40 and hang it on the wall and then shell out another $8 every time it needs a refill, about 3.5 times the cost of traditional floss – or you could just remember. 

OK, I get it. Remembering isn’t so easy these days. But has it gotten to the point that people need to be reminded that your child is sitting in the back seat? – Apparently so.

Remembering to floss is not as important as forgetting a child, but I saw another example of another aspect of perspective a little over a month ago.  The New York Post ran an article giving advice on how women in the big city can be more successful in business based on findings from a number of studies.

Unlike men who need only a suit and decent haircut (and can possibly skip shaving), “women are expected to adhere to a stringent regime of primping and preening to get promoted.” But don't take it too far.

A University of Chicago study discovered typical stereotypes of beautiful women portray them as less capable of taking on managerial and leadership responsibilities. In addition, another series of studies discovered that men find “brunette women as better leaders than fairer haired peers.” Likewise a dress-for-success prejudice prevails, and a “Harvard University study found cosmetics can change people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness.” 

Although, men don’t typically face the same kind of appearance-related pressure, there are equally faulty and unjust prejudices about height, voice, handshake grip and old school ties, many of which can’t be changed as easily as makeup, hair color or clothing. It’s a shame that acceptance and promotion so often depend on these outward appearances instead of any attempt at an objective measure of ability, but perhaps that explains some of the real incompetence we so often are subject to as customers and employees.

It all gets back to perspective.