How Big is Your Yacht?
I wanted to get to the boat show in Atlantic City as early as possible to avoid the long lines I knew would form to board the largest yachts there. Everyone wants to see what it’s like on these yachts, to imagine what it would be like to own a million dollar plus yacht.
Shortly after the show opened there were indeed long lines of people waiting to get on board the two largest yachts at the show. The line continued to grow throughout the day with wait times approaching an hour.
How many people in line could actually afford the 1 million dollar plus price tag? Not many, I’m sure. If they could afford it, if they were serious about making a purchase, they wouldn’t be waiting in line. I’m sure of that.
So why bother, why stand in line just to look at something that is so far out of reach that it is an impossibility? Because we all dream! It’s why people buy lottery tickets.
In What Next I start a chapter called “Inspiration, Motivation, and Drive” with one possibility for why people who can’t afford a yacht go and look at it anyway. Seeing what could be, inspires us to work toward that goal, motivates us to work harder, and, maybe, provides the drive to keep going no matter what. At least that’s the theory.
In practice what I hear (and have often said) is, “It must be nice.”
Yes it must be, but why be so defeatist. Why not say “This will be nice.” Why not, rather than lament that you’ll never have the yacht, devise a plan that will lead to a future with the yacht?
Not everyone is going to be as shallow as I’m sounding right now. It’s not always about the money or things. I’m using a yacht as a metaphor for anything you want, anything you desire. Rather than say “it would be nice” — work for it. Figure out a way to get there and start moving.
You want to start a business? Don’t say “it would be nice,” make a plan and act on it. Want to retire early? Then figure out the steps you need to take and take them.
Do you have the inspiration, motivation, and drive to do what it takes to reach your goal and not just talk about the what ifs in life? What is your first step toward your future? How big will your yacht be?
