Circus elephants will not try to escape when they are secured to the ground with a small peg and flimsy chain even though they can easily pull themselves free. As baby elephants, they have learned that there is no use struggling against the peg and chain, and they still retain the same belief even though they have grown much bigger and stronger.
Likewise, scientists in the late 1960s found that if they prevented dogs from escaping electric shocks many times, these dogs will not attempt to escape even if given the chance to do so. The scientists called this “learned helplessness”.
If we ask our friends and colleagues if they wish to retire early and escape the rat race, many will give a resounding ‘yes’. But if we ask them what steps and measures they have taken or are taking to make this wish possible, you will probably hear an uncomfortable silence. Instead, they prefer to complain.
Instead of complaining that foreign workers are stealing our jobs, is it more productive to think how we can improve our own employability or even take advantage of the trend by hiring foreign workers for our new businesses?
Instead of complaining that we are stuck with a rotten job, is is better to find ways to change to another job or develop passive income streams so that we have more options?
Instead of complaining that he is stuck in jail, a prisoner can obtain a university education and learn important technical skills while serving his sentence. He can then find a good job or start a business when he finishes his term.
Instead of complaining that she is stuck with a nasty employer, a housemaid can learn foreign languages (to obtain better wages in other countries), culinary skills (to find better employers) and computer skills (to post their resumes and find better jobs on the Internet).
If we do not take the future into our own hands, then who will help us do so? Is watching YouTube videos and playing Facebook games after work the best we can do? If so, good luck…
