coolmite

I just finished Daniel Gross’ article in Newsweek on why we should be spending and not investing. In it, he said that we, as a country, were hypomanic in the late 90’s and 2000s. He’s right, but I don’t think it’s an argument to make that acting that way is a good thing. Hypomania is a strong feeling of euphoria, or mania, that lasts for short periods of time. When someone is hypomanic he or she feels intensely focused on doing something, giddy and full of uncontrollable energy. Usually, mania strikes without rational thought behind it and it can push or promote bad behavior or bad choices. Haven’t we had enough of that financially? Getting on the hot stock because it’s hot and everyone else is buying it? The tech boom proved more often than not that buying without due diligence, rational thought, or self-control could lead to thousands in lost money, simply because an overwhelmingly attractive concept went bust. The same holds true for the housing bubble as people who couldn’t afford large payment balloons believed themselves to be invinicible and overlooked consequences. Also, hypomanic personalities are also prone to paralyzing anxiety. Which, in my view, is what a lot of people who make decisions without thought or backup plans are experiencing right now. I’m all for America to take reasonable risks again to goose the economy, productivity and the American dream. I just think that advocating poor decision making is irresponsible. I’d also ask Mr. Gross to lay off the armchair psychology. I didn’t happen to notice an M.D., D.O., or PhD near his name in psychiatry or psychology. Just saying.

I’m a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Today, I heard Kevin Riordan, from John Carroll University, speak about keeping the “precious 45″ hours you’re at work sacred. How do you want to spend them so you get the most of what you want out of them. Also, are you enjoying those hours, because if you’re not, you’re probably doing the wrong thing.

I’m enjoying my hours, but completely taking them foregranted in terms of keeping track. Like with Weight Watchers, Shape Up and Go (It’s a Clinic thing), and other metric based parts of my life, I’m woefully challenged. I like to use my favorite phrase they use on ESPN Radio.

I’m efforting:)

Kudos to Kevin for teaching me a better way to look at my week.

I mean, don’t get me wrong. We’re financially in the dumper. Still, I’m feeling pretty optimistic. Moreso than in a very long time.

Personally, I’m feeling so, because as I visit people and companies as a fundraiser, I see people who aren’t beaten down. They might not be able to do what they want to do philanthropically right now, but they are considering–and looking for opportunities. It gives me hope. Also, I feel right now that a lot of people believe in me. Crazy, right? I mean, when was the last time that you considered whether anyone believed in you?

Think about that for a second. Confidence in who you are and what you’re about is very important, especially in times like these. And, I’m feeling pretty good about myself. I’m still an organizational mess, but I’m an organizational mess with purpose.

Plus, I put on a kick-ass puppet show for six year old girls’ tea parties. True story. Ask Vivian and her friends.