Curb your enthusiasm

Last month, I ran the New York City Marathon for charity. Second year in a row (I also wrote about the previous edition). And, whereas the Antwerp 10 miles is a great event, New York is on a different level. As with every marathon, the first 15 miles are okay. You go with the flow, relying on your own strength and training. But, during those last miles, when you feel like you’re about to die, the magic kicks in. You get compliments and motivational cheers. People even offer you bananas and chocolates to keep your energy levels (and spirits) up. Their cheering pushes you straight to the finish line in Central Park. It feels unreal.

But you don't need to run the New York marathon to experience that enthusiastic attitude. It comes natural in the States. I learned that many years ago, when I travelled to the US for the very first time.

Before leaving, friends told me about the ‘good vibes' they had felt in New York or San Francisco. “There’s something in the air, a drive you can’t explain.”, they said. I was sceptic. I thought those stories were exaggerated. Even fake. Where I live, in Belgium, we prefer people to take a somewhat reserved attitude. It’s fine to have fun, to love, to be successful, whatever. But, please, keep a low profile. Act ‘normal’, whatever that may be. And curb your enthusiasm.

It is something we learn from a very young age. And so, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we live in a risk-averse, unenterprising society today. Sure, we have great healthcare and social services, but we’re not sure we’ll be able to keep that up in the long run. And what worries me most is the fact that we show no intention to genuinely do something about that. I’m afraid we are living the status-quo, for as long as it lasts.

Anyway, that first time, I was in for a culture shock from the moment our plane touched US soil in New York. Anyone I'd ask for help or directions, gave me a big smile. They also informed about my trip and made suggestions on what to visit, where to eat and shop. From the cab driver to the hotel receptionist, from the small shop owner to the restaurant waiter. And I soon noticed that this behavior was pretty consistent, from Joe Sixpack to Wall Street. Most of my business meetings felt very amicable.

I still thought it was fake though, afraid they were trying to sell me whatever. And in a way, that was true. But not at my expense, rather to our mutual benefit. But it would take me quite a few more visits to understand that. Ever since, I’ve travelled to the States many times and I have learned it’s a sincere and genuine attitude. A cultural trait that deserves imitation.

In America, people see opportunities first, not the challenges. At home, we tend to see it the other way around. We’re more cautious, analytical in our approach. That has its benefits, sometimes. But usually, it slows us down. We are still assessing the risks, when they make adjustments moving forward. They are willing to take a risk. It provides them that important first-mover advantage, each time. And, as far as I can see, it is tipping the balance in their favor. We need to re-think our approach. It is time to curb our enthusiasm… for the status quo.

What ‘cultural’ traits around the world do you find that deserve imitation elsewhere?