On Black Friday, it’s ON
The Allure of Black Friday is the Challenge.
Admit it, we all like a challenge that we think we have a shot at winning. Whether Black Friday’s event is to get the coolest gift or get the best deal, we have the spirit of competition instilled in us. Thank you kickball. Thank you four-square. Thank you spelling bees.
“I will be the victor.” That’s the mind-set right?
My biggest Twitter-induced laughter on Black Friday was from @Damon who Tweeted, “to the lady trolling behind me in your giant SUV, I’m lost looking for my car just like everybody else
.” I was hysterical as I remembered nearly every single Black Friday how I cringed at walking out to my car (usually parked in the furthest possible space) and not remembering where it was exactly. I tried a few times to tell them that I was parked pretty far and lost, but it amazed me how many of them thought I was lying – up until they saw where I was and then felt obligated at that point to still park there. Nearly every single Black Friday.
Proof positive that BF brings out the competitor? “I’m going to follow this guy to make sure I beat everyone else to his parking space.” “He just told me that he was parked far and lost, but I bet he’s just trying to throw me off my game.” “I gotta get to Macy*s to get the sweet deal that everyone is going to love hearing about.” “I’m going to get the first Widget that is going to be the hottest toy this season.”
What makes Black Friday bitter-sweet, is that we all remember that kid in elementary that used to cheat. The bully that would just look at you and you knew he was going to do anything to win – even if it meant tying you up by your jacket and hanging you from the monkey bars after the game if you didn’t let him. Yeah, the kid that didn’t have manners and would cuss out the teacher.
Well, that kid is an ‘adult’ now and nobody seemed to ever teach them different. This is the ‘adult’ that takes the last of a toy out of your shopping cart while your back is turned. This is the ‘adult’ who cuts into your parking space and says intimidatingly, “What? I got here first.” This is the ‘adult’ that cuts in line and then threatens violence and verbally abuses you if you call them on it. Competition brings out all kinds, so be prepared.
The reality is that we hear a challenge and rise to the occasion. Retailers have created an ingenious competition to benefit THEM! They could care less if there are people scrappin’ like wild dogs in the parking lot over a space or shoving eachother in the aisles for the last item on the shelf. They are cashing in BIG time. Don’t be fooled consumers, we are not the victor, THEY are. Sure I hear the arguement that “We did get a really good deal, though.” Really? In 30 days you can get an even sweeter deal on the same thing. It’s not the deal, it’s the sport of gift-giving. It’s the sport of Black Friday. It’s not a hoiday. It’s not our patriotic duty. It’s Black Friday. (I wonder when the UFC will start syndicating the parking-lot brawls.)
Wait! Before you go..
Instead of rising only to the challenge of Black Friday, I CHALLENGE you to first question yourself as to where you are in life – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Are you exactly where you want to be? Are you in the place that you dreamed of being when you were hanging there on the monkey bars all those years ago? Are you in the place you wanted to be when you received your diploma or got your first job? If not, I CHALLENGE you to live EVERYDAY like it was ‘Black Friday’ and wake up with a purpose and plan of action to reach your goals and cross the finish line – just like the plan you put together for the ‘Black Friday Shopping Championship’. Take control of YOUR economic situation and strive for financial freedom YOURSELF. Personally, I’m tired of waiting for the ‘Change’ we have been promised for such a long time. I will make it happen with God’s help and by MY OWN ACTIONS AND DECISIONS. …I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO THE SAME!
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