The Lazy Lion Syndrome: The Effects of Job Security
The effects of job security on the King of the Jungle.
As a lion, you eat what you kill in the jungle! A lion has no medical benefits, holidays or pension plans, a full time predator – 24/7. Simply, if it doesn’t catch it’s prey, it doesn’t eat. A lion instinctively understands very young that he has to master his attack, as power alone is not sufficient. In order to have a high success rate, the lion incorporates finesse, cunning and determination. How much more effective would you be if your life depended on your success? I would bet the bank that in a short period of time you would master your discipline.
However, the lion you visit in the zoo is different. This lion has been conditioned to depend on man for his survival. Physically you see a lion, but it’s just a shell of the King of the Jungle. If you attempt to release him into the wild he would perish within a week, unable to feed or protect itself from the full-time lions. Although a zoo lion has innate instincts, they have never been developed. Ironically, these pampered animals have better dental and medical insurance than you or I, not to mention the best chefs in town. The deterioration of their killer instincts caused by outside forces, I call the Lazy Lion Syndrome, also applies to humans.
By nature, homo sapiens are the most creative inhabitants on the planet. But often the 9-5 grind mitigates our creativity. Sometimes our greatest good is never maximized because of the illusionary comfort of job security. Just like a zoo lion released into the wild, the perennial employee has an uphill battle. In economic downturns with massive job loss, the ability to create new opportunities is critical. Unfortunately, entrepreneurship is rarely perceived as an option for many due to fear of risk taking, mental conditioning or lack of out-of-the-box thinking.
The truth of the matter, I’ve been amazed at the brilliance of many “average Joe’s.” I often hear a myriad of ideas from people that with a structured plan implemented, could be Cash Cows, but seldom do I see them follow through to pursue their ideas. I don’t promote recklessness, but as I was once told, “get out and do something even if it’s wrong.” I also don’t subscribe to the belief that any human is more mentally creative than another, it’s just a matter of trail and error, discipline and confidence.
In this universe animals and humans were designed with specific skill sets for a divine reason. Man is the only species with the ability to critically think and implement thoughts creatively, make sure you utilize your talents. We should never undervalue or marginalize our abilities. All creations begin from the same starting point – from Henry ford (Ford) to Bill Gates (Microsoft) to Chris Hughes (Facebook) to Oprah Winfrey (Harpo) – it all germinated with a great IDEA and a commitment to a happening.
If an orphan lion is raised by ducks, does that make it a lion or a duck? If an infinitely creative human is conditioned to be a robot, is he/she merely a machine… or is there POTENTIAL?
Hey Talani,
The best job security is being your own Boss. We all have potential. Some people take longer to develop than others. The first step is Desire and direct this into a plan that you have faith and confidence in and from there take one step at a time to achieve your desire. Do your homework. Make the Internet work for you, it has a wealth of free advice. Work with people who complement your skills and fill in the gaps. Successful people act in spite Fear. Important traits are discipline, hard work, taking the right steps, and the willingness to constantly learn and grow.
Thanks for making a difference. I am a victim of the Lazy Lion Syndrome. I have many creative ideas but fearful of putting a plan into action since I do not have finances and cannot afford to leave my job. It is easy to make excuses. You have given me food for thought.
I love it man! I needed to read this today. Today of all days. Thanks my man.
“I also don’t subscribe to the belief that any human is more mentally creative than another, it’s just a matter of trail and error, discipline and confidence.”
I need to heed this. Stop selling myself short.
“get out and do something even if it’s wrong.”
I’m about to go out and do some Lion stuff today, even if it’s wrong!!
T,
Way to hit it on the head! I do believe that we become way too lax sometimes. Thanks for the reminder to take some chances, and do what may be uncomfortable. Things don’t just happen. If it’s God’s plan for you, your hard work will get rewarded. Be sure to give him the glory when it does.
Blessings,
~ 3
Talani,
Powerful Doc. This straight slapped me in my face. I GOT IT.(lol) The presence of Fear is the absence of Faith. Continue my brother to be FEARLESS. God Bless You.
Hey Talani,
You are definitely amongst the great thinkers. Intriguing topic that make you say ummmmmmmmm! You must be Leo the Lion!!! Is that the reason you chose this particular animal? Well, as you know there are many whom will always have a 9-5, because it depends on their creativity, career path, life lessons and being driven. We are not all meant to be leaders as the Lion, but we were put here with a purpose in mind. Being a business owner you are always working and with a regular job you can clock out, making no excuses it necessary to clock out when you are a MOTHER. I have found comfort and discomfort in the corporate world. My dad drilled in my siblings and i the importance of being your own boss and most of his children followed in his foot steps . I have tried many business endeavors. Where i invested time and money, but it was a lost financially. Then there were some endeavors where i had financial gain, but it drained me spiritually. However, i am very grateful for all the jobs i obtained from childhood to adulthood and for every business endeavor good or bad. For, each of my tasks were a part of my journey in life. And just as a baby begins to walk, he or she falls and attempts to walk again, unafraid of the fall. But, hopeful for what walking may bring. As parents we see the danger in them walking, but as toddlers they see this as an adventure. At this moment in my life i am like the toddler, unfraid and hopeful knowing that baby steps adventually turn into running. And, thats when the fun begin. As we find the true purpose of our llfe, we have a better understanding of where we need to be. So, If someone is stuck as many of us have been like the lazy lion, make sure you curl up with a great motivational book such as Excuses Begone by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.
Thanks again for sharing with us your wisdom The Great Tao Of Talani.
Live Well,
Sharone
AWAKEN THE LION WITHIN……Simba…put them damn worms down and grab this gazelle and get BUSY!!!!!!!
Thank you for the advise you recently shared concerning my new business venture and the importance of creativity in today’s world. Some people forget they are surrounded by resources. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to other and gaining a different perspective – this is what fuels our own creativity. My current career revolves around being creative – it is what I sell – my creative mind. So I must stand strong and demand nothing but the most creative outcomes. WATCH OUT WORLD – HERE I COME…
As always man your spot on. As a creator I’m constantly coming up with something new.I sure don’t have the luxury of being a lazy lion. Running a lable, producing records, scoring courtside jones with you. Man, sometimes I wish I could be a lazy lion for a couple hours. Keep the tao flowing man this is good stuff.
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AWAKEN THE LION WITHIN……Simba…put them damn worms down and grab this gazelle and get BUSY!!!!!!!