It's all about ME

Yes, let me first admit I am from what is now labeled as the White Hair Generation. Not long ago, we were the Baby Boomers and Man did we Rock!

As I listened to news radio this morning on my way in to work, I heard a man describe how horribly he felt at the fact that his house was almost subject to a home invasion robbery. Alarm systems, cameras, etc., were all in place and nothing happened, he was very grateful for those measures.

And then it hit me.

In his words,"I cannot imagine how terrible it would be for someone to hurt me, my wife and my children."

During my school time, it was always proper to say, my wife, children and I.

Newsflash!

More and more we hear this ME first and then the rest. And I began to ask myself why is this happening? What has led this generation to a self centered way of expression? It certainly is not that they only care about themselves, could it? 

No, it can't be that for I know quite a few young professionals with whom I work and they could not be more giving and better coaches and mentors. What then? Poor teachers who do not promote proper grammar skills in their formative years? No, that couldn't be either because I know a lot of great teachers.

And then it came in like a tidal wave! It's just a generational speak and the one that needed adjustment was not them, it was, you guessed it, ME. 

The self "centeredness" if you will, is a way for them to express their individuality in a world that is becoming more and more connected, without barriers and where one can lose their identity or even become someone else online. Perhaps an uncertainty about the future drives them to seek immediate gratification and, while I am not a psychiatrist nor a psychologist, it is clear to me that every generation goes through the same.

Customization and rewards are high priorities for this generation. For example, studies indicate that one of their favorite eateries is Subway because they can customize their sub to exactly what they want, regardless. Starbucks started with just a few Frapuccinos and now has over 73 recipes.

Take music for example, if you are part of the White Hair Generation, who can deny that Elvis and the Beatles did not create havoc with the then "Blue Hair" Generation? That Ben and Jerry, through their own admission, partied and partook of the Hippie generation and are now multi millionaires on "Munchies" or ice cream?

In every case, there is a revolution and it is important for all of us to learn to coexist and capitalize on our strengths rather than focus on our differences.

I commit today to text more, call less, and celebrate all victories, small or large. 

What will you do today to meet me halfway?