Stuff, toys and trappings of success. More is better. Bigger is better. Are you measuring your success with all of the tangible possessions that are a testimony to your worth and value? Don’t get me wrong – I like stuff, too.

The question that needs to be asked is – if you lost all of your stuff, would you still feel successful? If you had to begin all over again from the beginning, would you still believe in yourself and your mission?

Too many people are living in a fantasy world believing that their address, car, toys and various possessions are symbols of their achievements and success.

Most of us have a lot more stuff than we need, will ever use, or can enjoy. I know people who have 5 cars in their garages, 4 homes, enough furniture to outfit a hotel, and very little peace of mind.

Stuff is nice. Stuff makes life more convenient – or does it? Computers simplify our lives. Who ever sold that bill of goods is a genius. I have spent more time plowing through manuals, dealing with computer technicians, trying to recover lost data, and attempting to evaluate all of the information my computer spews out on a daily basis than I care to remember. Not to mention hours trying to find my way through the maze of the Internet.

I believe in progress, but I also believe in simplicity. I like toys, but I wish I had all of the cash I have spent on toys in the past 25 years – toys that have broken, rusted, gone out of style, etc.

Have you ever seen the routine George Carlin does on STUFF? If not, rush to your local video store and rent it. It is a hoot. Plus, it has a redeeming message (if Carlin can deliver a redeeming message, anyone can.)

Tim Connor
http://www.timconnor.com