In one way or another, we have all experienced scenes we thought shocking… and found ourselves tempted to take a second glance. You know what I mean. You’ve seen people “rubber-necking” or gawking on the highway. They make a conspicuous effort to resist the temptation to stare by only peeking quickly. But whether you call it innocent or morbid curiosity, a compelling force begs us to look.
Right now, the economy appears to be pretty much a train wreck, and people are having a difficult time looking away.
It is, perhaps rightfully, the focus of conversation, the headline in nearly every section of the newspaper, and the lead story on virtually all news channels and programs. But in accepting (finally) that a recession is underway, and now attempting to project its severity and length, many politicians, economists and other pundits are cautioning that at least some of the economic bad news could be called “a self-fulfilling prophecy.” (As an example, see this story from the New York Times, 12/8/08.)
Implications: It is good to be informed. But even things that are good for you can be toxic when consumed in ridiculous quantities.
There will be a time—it could be next month, next week, or this afternoon—when consumers say, “Enough already… I need a little good news.” The question is whether you, or your product, service or company… is in a position to be that bearer of good tidings. Does your service relieve stress? Does your product provide comfort? Does your organization exude a sense of optimism?
At some point, people (and companies) will drive just beyond incident on the highway they have slowed down to see. Something inside them will say, “That was a distraction, but I have to put that behind me because I have somewhere I have to be. And the only way I’m going to get there is if I look forward, keep my eyes on the road… and drive.”
Mike Anderson
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