Appreciating the Classics
Let’s be respectful. I’ve been programmed to seek shiny and NEW. I am part of a profession that demands:
Continuous Learning
Continuous Progress
Continuous Growth
I chase and embrace everything new and different. I keep up. I run fast and adapt to constant change.
Currently, I am being challenged by a business client who does not want to change. At first, I didn’t understand.
Why would they hire me if they didn’t want to change?
My business client is stubborn and stuck in their ways. I thought my job was to help them change. Instead, they helped change me.
I am starting to see the value of being unmovable. My client explained it to me:
I know what I do best. Don’t try to change me. I also know what you do best. It’s different. I can’t do what you do. That’s why I need you.
I fought back and rallied for learning and growth.
You can learn. You can grow. You can adapt. Adapt or die, right?
My client responded to my push to evolve with two letters.
NO.
They asked me to abandon progress and growth to value the tried and the true.
I thought this request was against my nature – until I realized it was only against my programming. I’ve been brainwashed to value NEW over the tried and true.
What did you throw away today?
Are we unconsciously throwing away something valuable because it’s old? Buying NEW forces us to discard the old. That’s how we lose appreciation for the classics.
Constant advertising pushes something NEW as better. Old is what advertisers want us to reject to compel us to buy something new.
Do both products and people need to keep changing to be valued?
My business client doesn’t think so. They’re not trying to stop evolution. They are simply refusing to buy into a false tension state created by advertising hype.
They want people to find comfort, stability, and peace in the classics. And they want me to help.
I can start by respecting and appreciating the old ways.
I can understand NEW isn’t better than tried and true.
I can reject hype and respect enduring quality.
I can show more respect for the elders among us. They’ve worked hard over the years to perfect their craft. I can value and appreciate the classics.
Respect is a positive feeling of deep admiration for someone or something. The classics deserve our respect.
Let’s be respectful together. Don’t let a lifetime of advertising control our perceived value of old products or people. Let’s value and appreciate the classics together.
