To start off today’s discussion, I thought I’d present a couple of online definitions to you . . . just to make sure that we’re all on the same page, regarding the term “bandwagon”. So, Google says that bandwagon is “used in reference to an activity, cause, etc. that is currently fashionable or popular and attracting increasing support.” And dictionary.com states that bandwagon is “a party, cause, movement, etc., that by its mass appeal or strength readily attracts many followers.”
And when I use the term “jumping on the bandwagon”, I’m simply referring to the act of joining up with that activity, cause, party, movement, etc. that has garnered the attention of the masses and seems to be receiving their support.
But personally, I’ve never been one to just go along with the crowd or seek to fall in line with the popular or trendy thing going on at the moment, especially if it didn’t suit my particular purposes in any way, shape, or form. I’m not about adding the fluff that doesn’t lead to the favorable outcomes that I’ve determined for my life. And quite frankly, I can think of many “jumping on the bandwagon” scenarios that are actually destructive and bring about negative ramifications to the individual doing the jumping and all the individuals that reside in this bandwagoner’s sphere of influence.
So first of all, the bandwagon has to lead to positive solutions and results and must be in harmony with my own personal and professional goals, cultural norms, values, and morals that I’ve established as favorable successes in my life.
And let’s just say that I identify one of those bandwagon opportunities that fit all of the above criteria (or at least don’t go against my criteria), but I decide to pack away that knowledge and not act on it. What do you call me at that point? That’s a rhetorical question, so keep any disparaging comments to yourself, please.
No, I’ll tell you in a politically-correct way what that makes me. It makes me an “unwise procrastinator”. Why? Well, because I have the knowledge about something that leads to successful outcomes but choose to tuck that knowledge away in the back of my subconscious to deal with at a future time perhaps (or to not deal with at all).
And so, I don’t put that knowledge into practical application and end up wasting time that I could have devoted to making some notable strides in progress, based on this golden ticket of knowledge that I’m currently avoiding.
Who does that? Well, I do, for one. And, you probably do, for two. And, most people surely do, for three. It’s just human nature to be hesitant to jump on anything, let alone a bandwagon, without making sure that the landing is smooth upon impact. And, it takes some individuals more time than others to check out that landing. The “JUST STARTing Something New Road” is a quite difficult trek to take on for most people. It’s the fear of the unknown and not fully understanding if the destination spots are going to lead to what’s best for the traveler.
As a matter of fact, I might have shared this in a prior blog post, but I’m going to share it in this one as well. The reference is quite fitting for the topic at hand. I have a little excerpt from my book, Playground Instruction for the Growing Adult, that sums up the JUST START predicament pretty realistically. Check it out below:
“Often, the hardest part of trying out something brand-new or accomplishing a much-needed task is getting started. And my doable solution for this challenge is to JUST START. Stop talking yourself out of and waiting for the perfect time to get going on new endeavors that you have a desire to explore or on activities that need to be done. At first glance, a directive such as JUST START looks fairly elementary but eventually reveals its complexities in the implementation phase.”
So, I totally get it when people aren’t too quick to jump on the bandwagon. Some careful deliberation needs to take place first. But after the heavy pondering has been completed and it appears that the bandwagon is a good fit for you, then what’s your excuse for holding up progress? Perhaps, it’s the fear factor (It seems right but what if it doesn’t work out for me?), the stubborn factor (Popular opinion isn’t going to tell me what to do!), the old fogey factor (I’m too old or I don’t want to try something new at this point in my life.), or You fill in the blank ______________________________________ (as I’m sure some other excuse makers could be added to the list).
Now, what I’ve professionally come to find out during my content creative journey is that procrastination only works in the positive for some very limited circumstances. But for the most part, waiting a long time before actively moving yourself forward in your creative content journey usually leaves to you being left behind. Furthermore, you’ll end up having to later compete with the other folks who got the memo to “jump on the bandwagon” and actually did so at the opportune time.
So, that leaves you in a place of coming from behind when you actually do decide to take that knowledge you’ve gained and put it into practical application. But I say, “better late than never.” Right? At least I eventually decided to follow through with what was on the memo. Pretty late in the game, though. But a JUST START is something to celebrate nonetheless (whether it comes sooner or much, much later).
However, I still know how completely frustrating it is to know to try your hand at something, but then talk yourself out of doing it (for any myriad of reasons). And then, you finally decide to do it but regret that you didn’t do it sooner, while you observe others so much further ahead in their creative content journeys.
And just know that I can say so much more on this subject, and I most likely will — in the upcoming “Blogging Truths Be Told” installment. Well, that’s the plan anyway, but I’m learning to be careful about making absolute responses. I’d much rather leave my responses in the “here’s the plan; but in case I’m not able to carry it out, at least I haven’t lied to you” category. Hope to see you here next week.
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