And The Award Goes To

 And The Award Goes To

Have you ever received an award? I've received many in business, but never in my personal life. If you have received an award(s), where is it today? I have mine in a trunk (I think). Do you look back on it? Did you deserve it? Most of mine were in sales and marketing and believe me I deserved them all.

In sports today, little kids all get an award even if they lose. For some reason, teachers, coaches, parents believe it's good for the child's mental health to give them an award even if they did nothing but show up. Parents are so afraid their child will be sad (or worst angry) so they push the teacher or coach to give them an award so their child will be happy.

I'm old school, so I'm calling bullshit. The real reason parents want their child to get an award is so they don't have to parent them. This doesn't bode well for the parent or the child later in life. An earned award is much more appreciated. Trying to get that earned award will make the child try harder. Without that work ethic, the child won't be able to cope with life in the real world.

Where is your head on this topic? If you have an adult son or daughter who still lives with you, you've failed. If that child doesn't work or works but can't support themselves, you mondo failed. However, if you have an adult son or daughter who has made a life for themselves, give them an award.

Do you reward yourself? If you've lost the five pounds you've been trying to do, give yourself an award - a Sunday with cherries, nuts and dark chocolate syrup would be my award. Give your husband an award if he is making you happy - I won't tell you what my reward would be because this is a family blog.

The bottom line is that you do wonderful things that never get awarded. It's great when you get an award from the "outside world," but even if nobody gives you one, award yourself because you've earned it.

And The Award Goes To - YOU