What We Leave Behind

Something that's been niggling at my brain as of late. What ever happened to pride in what you do? My grandfather was a civilian graphic artist for the Air Force, back in the day of draftsman tables and before computer programs. The drawings he did for them were of prospective buildings, made from the builders' blueprints. They always looked like photographs. Pop-Pop always told me; "If it's worth doing, be sure to put your name on it!" Needless to say; more than being an excellent artist,
he was first a die-hard perfectionist.

I guess that's where I get it from, but my affliction is compounded with a severe case of procrastinationizm(is that even a word?!) Couple all of that with a lack of confidence, and a "healthy" dose of OCD and boy! What a fine MESS you have. That doesn't prevent me from trying my best; what ever work or task I might attempt.

I'm really taken aback by the fact that a lot people I encounter in my day-to-day life just don't give a crap. Not about the job; the work; the person(s) they are waiting on or talking to; the car they are supposed to repair; the patient they are administering to; the class they are instructing; the guy behind/in front of them; the food they are resposible for preparing; and so forth. It just makes me pause, and really pisses me off!

What happened to doing things properly because it mattered that people felt they could count on you to do so? When did the bottom line become the only way to gauge whether or not you would even venture into any effort? Customer service used to mean something. It wasn't just a job description, it was a philosophy. Craftsman-ship was not an extinct ideal; it was an art.

I feel that if people quit half-arsing things, and started caring about their own legacy, the world would be a better place to be. How do you want to be remembered? I know I've got a long way to go, but I'm gonna try to do better from here on out.

I'm also going to be more empathetic and patient; but that's another post!