The way I look at it, we seem to have serious internal problems in moving forward towards that goal called:progress,
developed status...
whatever.
Well, I have managed (I think...) to trace the root of the problem!
You see, it’s this 'drink' that we are taking day in day out.
Managed to get the formulation too (only just...)!
Let me see, if I remember it right, it goes something like this...
Two shots of 'Malaysia Boleh' (Malaysia can-do (just about anything))
A dash of 'We will never disappear from the face of the Earth'
Three spoonfuls of 'We don't need English' (language) and
A quarter cup of 'Heaven awaits us' and
Lots of Ice
Shaken but not stirred, of course!
You see, the way I look at it, positive affirmations are good.
Even those bordering on arrogance and plain madness.
I am a believer in the need for these affirmations to drive all of us to success.
However, there is a danger to taking this concoction on a daily basis. We run the danger in losing touch with its noble aims and aspirations for one. As in anything, there is a thin and invisible line beyond which these affirmations means nothing. We, in effect, start believing the h-y-p-e, way before achieving our target.
So, what do we do?
Well, I remember this slogan which was used by Avis, a car rental company that was the number two behind their rival, Hertz.
'We're No 2, We try Harder!'
Avis took a different tack in trying to beat Hertz.
Instead of saying they were the best or cheapest or with the best cars, they merely acknowledged that they were behind Hertz but that they worked harder in order to be the best.
I believe that we, similarly, need to acknowledge that we are in a similar position, that we need to work harder, that we have shortcomings and that we intend to put it right by, yes, working harder!
Simple, No?
Come on Malaysia...We’re No 2, We try harder!
Illustration:www.outlawforpeace.com
16 comments:
You certainly have a point there. First, we have to admit that we're far from perfect (or at least close but not just quite), and never contended with what we have. To be better than what we are today. Avis is certainly taking the right step!
K Ruby Dear,
I think we drank too much.
Maybe that's why we are moving slowly.
Or maybe it's because of our 'ego'?
Not wanting to admit that we're no.2.. or 3..or 5..etc.
When we think that we are already the BEST, we tend put down the need to improve ourselves and try harder.
Wallahualam...
On a different note,
"Readings" sounds so interesting.
Maybe I can ask my students to do that too.
With a hope that such activity will improve their English and gain their interest as well.
Thanks, to the organizers of "Readings" and you, for giving me the idea.
This is definitely very inspiring.
XoX
Complacency sets in when we're reached a certain level although that level is 100th in the Top 100 list, for example. Shouldn't we push ourselves further up the line?
I can already hear them say, "Kita dah masuk list, kira ok lah kan?"
sounds like my liverpool who is worse at number 3 and probably dropping but yes, we are trying harder :D
Hi d,
Yes d, to get to better first we must admit and acknowledge our weaknesses. This awareness as to what are our weaknesses and what are our strengths is key to achieving success.
The operative word is humility.
Hi Fizzy dear,
Yes, we drank too much of that concoction! Ha ha! So much so we are so 'drunk' into believing how good we are.
We are into globalisation and the best man wins. The world will not wait for us. So we'd better come to grips as to what are our weaknesses and rectify pronto. To do that we must admit as to what are our shortcomings, then work from there.
With globalisation we must equip ourselves with the global tools be it language, IT knowledge, and what have you.
'Readings'. Gosh! If you could pick up a positive idea from my sharing that would certainly make my day. Go for it sweetie. Why not take a trip here and attend an actual evening, I'll go with ya. I can get dates for you. But hey otherwise, yeah, just do it. Only good can come out of it. Cheers love.
Hi X-matters,
You got it right there. Somehow it must have to do with our culture perhaps to sink into complacency so easily. We must eradicate this attitude.
Education is key. It needs aome massive surgery.
Hi Azer,
Ha ha...the ever avid Liverpool fan. You certainly have immense passion.
I was at the Perdana Global Peace Forum just for one afternoon. I decided to mingle with some University students. I became fearful as to the standard now compared to what it was before. They are our future. We must have a reality check quickly.
tHAT is a good catchphrase.it gives the feeling of humility and encourages people to work harder. WE should adopt this attitude wholeheartedly.
Hi K Anne,
Yes. I think it is a folly to go on thinking we are great whence we are not. Affirmations are good but that is just a start. To get to greatness, we must know our weaknesses and strengths and work from there, but not blindly.
Ruby,
In our linggo we "Cuba try"
It is a bit redundant. ain't it?
Hence ta payah try...lagi senang..
Saja cuba try kacau you.
Anonymous 11.49,
Alahai you ni..cuba pandu try lah juga! *chuckle*
Hi Ruby, long time no visit, sorry! I liked this posting. At uni I used to wear a t-shirt from SIRIM that said "Approved to Malaysian Standard", which my friends thought was rather good. I guess they thought I was of pretty high standard so Malaysian standard must be quite high! But now I wonder, because everything is about 'OKlah', meaning if it is just OK to our local standards, then it's fine. But then we forget there is a world out there which is moving along to higher standards.We think by turning back on the world, we need not bother with it. Then we get left behind, get frustrated and blame everyone else but us.
Sure the constant striving may be stressful. But like you say, it is in the trying harder that we feel satisfied. And might I add, trying harder SMARTLY too!
Hi Marina,
Ha ha ha. That "Approved to Malaysian Standard" T-shirt sure is funny.
Yes, agreed we must try harder SMARTLY! Glad you liked this entry.
Thanks for the visit.
You have a point, Puan Ruby
I never look at our problem this way. Using the Avis approach is a paradigm shift. Very good.
Hello RMT,
What I learned from this dictum: 'We're No 2, We Try Harder' is that first we must know our strengths and weaknesses. Once we know, then we can improve. To improve we must first embrace an important trait and that is humility. Without humility nobody will admit his weaknesses and therefore will go forward in an arrogant way and almost definitely will stumble in time...
We just need to look around to see that.
Anyway thank you so much for your thoughts and visit. Salam.
Post a Comment