Have you ever traveled down the road and seen a small sign saying something like “Apples”, another one a bit further down the road “Peaches” and then another “tomatoes” and so on? At the end of the signs there is usually a farmer’s market. I always found these signs intriguing and it kept me looking for more. History says that shaving company used this technique with various poems about shaving cream and it led to an amazing advertising strategy simply called The Burma Shave signs. Many others have used this sequential advertising technique because we, as humans, always find ourselves looking for the NEXT thing!
When I think back on my life, I fall into that category of constantly looking forward to what was next. I remember talking with my mom about how I couldn’t wait to be in junior high, then again having the same conversation about high school and college. I couldn’t wait to finish college and get married then have kids! Don’t get me wrong, I did live in the moment and didn’t spend hours missing out on what was going on to contemplate what was next, but I was one who greatly anticipated my next phase of life! Now here I am, almost 55, retired with 30 years of teaching behind me, kids are grown, married to my best friend for 33 years and again greatly anticipating WHAT IS NEXT!
We all do it! Teachers (I can say this with all honesty) love their jobs, yet can’t wait and count the days down to the next school holiday, the next semester, or heck, even the next class. Corporate people are looking for the next big project, client or quarter to see differences and improvements. The list goes on and on. But Why???? Why do we wish away today? Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and the grass is NOT ALWAYS greener in the next phase.
Recently I was at a women’s conference and one of the speakers spoke about sequential joy vs. simultaneous joy. It sank in deep! My mother and I have shared the love of the word JOY since I was a little kid. Each Christmas we find things that say JOY on them and give them to each other. So I was excited to share this with her.
Sequential Joy is easy ….. always waiting on the next thing to make us happy. (A perfect example is a teacher counting down the days until a holiday!) It is ok to have this because sometimes it is what gets us through the hard times. However, I love the meaning behind Simultaneous Joy! Be present! Look at the great things happening NOW!! Enjoy the great weather TODAY! Celebrate the crazy kid in your class who is focused TODAY and make a big deal out of it TODAY! When your loved one walks through your door, don’t wait to hug his neck…DO IT TODAY!
If I were to create my life's own Burma Shave type advertising campaign it would be about JOY. My 8 signs would read:
Find the good
In every day
No matter
What it costs.
Look around
And see the JOY
Before the
Day is lost!
What about you? What would your signs say about your life? 8 short signs. Try it!