Learning the Soul Food Lesson

Originally posted here

Part I: 'Soul Food' Lessons http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGMyJK

"As the country moves gingerly towards economic recovery, we should ask ourselves 'What lessons have we learned?' For many of us (individuals and businesses) it may have been the first time we had to adjust to utilizing meager resources to create something that is satisfying. In my opinion, the best thing we could do is learn the 'Soul Food' Lesson."

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In the 1980s, everything was big, big, big....more, more, more. There were big hair, big cars, more houses, more money. The excesses came to a halt in the 1990s when 'thrifty' became the goal 'downsizing' became the process of many businesses. It was an opportunity to pursue a vision for America that would've allowed us to be more competitive globally and maintain sustainable economic growth. It was a beginning.

Yet, generally speaking, we faltered and became complacent. We didn't fully learn the 'soul food lesson'. The measures taken to make our families, businesses, and organizations more efficient were painful, but produced savings. However, instead of building on the more efficient processes i.e. developing new technologies/products for the future while expanding into new markets; as soon as we begin to see positive economic growth again we piled on the 'excesses' that were cut and making us less competitive and productive. So what have we learned this time?

Now, we are faced with similar challenges. Cutbacks are being made in order to bring about more efficiency and productivity. Do we go back to old habits? It's like an obese person who has lost weight. After the initial thrill of experiencing the weight loss and the benefits that come with it, s/he must guard against reverting back to ole' habits that contributed to weight gain. So what have we learned?

Have we learned the value of relationships and to appreciate the unique contributions of others? Have we learned perennial life skills such as discipline, budgeting, time management, creative but practical problem solving, flexibility, and adaptability? Yes, the 'soul food lessons' we should learn concerns developing the ability in utilizing meager resources to create something that is satisfying.