Targets Troubling Politics

Words + Actions = Intent

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You can't have it both ways--either Target supports gays or it does not--put your money where your mouth is Tom. And I will put mine in the pockets of those who support me.

Dont Let Black Friday Put You in the Red

(control) = (happiness)

Let me predict the news at your local network affiliate: long lines fought to get deep discounts on big ticket items. Store owners report solid sales but the numbers did not reach expectations.

Am I a psychic? No. But I know that will be the story, barring some national disaster. Black Friday. All the hype. All the noise. But it is just another day, even if the media and their spin doctors call it otherwise. Sure there are some real bargins out there, I won't deny that. However, based on the status of our personal, as well as national economics, bargains, and the pursuit of them, has gotten in this condition. Why not make today the first day you give in to the consumer peer pressure affiliated with this day?

Spend money on gifts if you have it. Even if you do have it, don't go overboard. On a budget? Make gifts if you are handy or offer to do favors, or cook for loved ones, or just tell them how much they mean to you. Not all presents have to be brand new and wrapped in plastic.

A large portion of our national and personal grief can be directly linked to our compulsive consumerism which has to stop. Why not make today the day to take a stand?

Does Money Really Equal Happiness?

(work) + (love) = happiness

I just read a post that made me think.

In the post, the author (the piece is unsigned, which is a tad troubling) claimed that there is not a direct correlation between doing what you love and making more money.

That may be true. However, I do not think that is the issue. 

I find that belief is based on a faulty, and very American, assumption that a grande paycheck translates into mucho happiness. I can testify, at least at the anecdotal level (my own and my clients), that that is simply not true. I think job happiness equals life happiness--and if riches appear, that is gravy.

Behavioral psychology tell us people do what they want to do. Knowing this is true, that means that having a job that you like or love means you are more likely to work harder and succeed.

Which challenges the concept that money equals happiness. I think it can give one security, but it does not ensure happiness in any way. A person can have a job they hate, make a ton of cash, and be miserable every day all day long. Meanwhile that same person can barely get by, love their work and work long hours, and I am willing to bet they would rate themselves as being far more satisfied with their life. Based on scientific facts, I think the second scenario is much more likely to create a happy life.

So career-changers beware. Believing that BIG PAY = SMILES is a dangerous philosophy that my work tells me is simply not true.

Read the original post here.