Thinking about yesterday’s post’s last paragraph, it came to my mind that the current justice feels good for only one reason: “I might have a smaller income, but at least I don’t have to pay as much tax as my boss.” You might have guessed it, the key words here are “at least”.
They are the indicator of a foul compromise, something the lizard brain keeps sending to your consciousness so you don’t take action. “C’mon, it’s not that bad, there’s still one thing to cling to.” And when you think about it, people say it quite often, far too often in fact. “My job is hell, but at least I can pay my bills.” — “My partner spends too little time with me, but at least I have a dog.” and my favourite: “Our business doesn’t make any money, but at least it’s fun.”
In reality, at least is nothing else but a final warning that your compromise has turned out to have more down- than upside — and is on the verge of failing. This is also the reason why salespeople hardly ever say it when they’re pitching to someone. Because the message is: “There is nothing else that makes using this product/upholding the status quo sensible any more. Better try something different.”
And of course, this means putting yourself at risk. Just because you believe you deserve better doesn’t mean it will come to you. The earth is revolving beneath our feet, but we don’t get anywhere unless we move ourselves.