You’re So Vain You Probably Think This Post Is About You
Many years ago when I was much younger and could stay up late, I had a night time ritual. Every night before I went to bed, I would watch at least an hour of stand-up comedy on television.
I studied comedians, got to know some of them by face and many of them by name. One night there was this new comedian performing, I don’t remember his name,1 but I remember a portion of his act.
He joked about how everyone was always in a panic to be first. First in line to get the latest gadget. First in line at the bank. First in line at the grocery store. He said: You know what? I don’t wanna be first, I wanna be next!2
Even though it was meant as a joke, I’ve never forgotten it and consider it one of my life lessons. It made me wonder why we make everything, simple things, a competition to be first? I don’t know, maybe we are inherently competitive and can’t help ourselves?
There’s a guy named Greg Packer who makes a “hobby out of attending public appearances and is known for being first in line for such occasions. He is even credited with being first in line to purchase an iPhone in 2007, 110 hours before it went on sale.” Why?
I guess we love being first. We get the attention, the bragging rights and let’s face it, sometimes it feels good being on top, but sometimes it’s an exhausting race to nowhere.
“Does being first really have the upper hand over being second or even fifth? Not necessarily. Sometimes getting the formula right matters more than doing it first.” 3
I’m learning to be content with next.
In: Just Thinking, Life · Tagged with: Being First, Competition, Self Importance
on December 17, 2008 at 9:39 am
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Well, I have to agree with you on this. There’s nothing wrong with being next. Being first is just tiring. I mean, maybe being first in saving a person who is about to be run down by a truck is something I’d applaud, but being first to purchase an iPhone just a few hours before it’s out in the market? Oh come on. Why are there people who care so much about things that are so insignificant? Does it make them feel more powerful, have superhuman abilities, become invincible?
I think if you take your time, to evaluate your decision, to ponder a while if what you’re doing is worth it or not, the world would be a better place, or at least, wherever it is you’re at.
And, for example, that guy who died being trampled to death during Walmart’s Black Friday would probably still be alive.
LIZZIE´s last blog post...::Fingers On The Piano::.
on December 17, 2008 at 1:17 pm
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That’s a good life lesson. And a good thought to start my day on today. Thanks.
haleyhughes´s last blog post..My evil truffles — mwah ha ha
on December 17, 2008 at 3:43 pm
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Davina, that’s funny and you are right.
Robin, really, like what? The first to show up for a dinner party. That used to be me, I wasn’t first, just on time.
Lance, I get the bug to be on top, but doing something well or knowing the formula is just as good, for me. I forget myself.
Maxi Malone, hello and welcome. Appreciate you stopping by. Hmm, I’m just now thinking of those people who lined up to be first to trample that man at Walmart.
Thanks.
Steve, my sleep pattern is flip flopping, I’m back to needing to go back to bed by 10 p.m. or before if possible. Oh yes the speeding cars. I was in line first and had I rushed out into traffic to beat the car on my left, I would have been smashed, a car ran a red light. I always remember to pause a sec for the people that just have to beat the light sometimes.
Lana, oh I keep my eye open for a spot next to the door, but if it’s not there, I don’t drive around the parking lot looking anymore, I keep it moving. The time you spend looking, you could have been inside already. Yipper, still want the photo and will let you know about the oil painting.
Meleah, I remember, but I was up doing nothing then, now I’m up dropping, tweeting and jumping jacks. True, I’ve been slacking, but false, I still love you. Oh I LOVE stand up, that was my night time thing! I have to get back to watching some stand-up.
Momisodes, thanks! Well I kind of think that we are just born with that desire to be first, but ALWAYS with EVERYTHING? Talk about sucking the fun out of everything…miss the purpose sometimes.
Carla, hmmm, I don’t think I was too competitive either. I competed, but I can’t say I tried hard at all. I probably try harder now that I’m an adult, but I don’t have that cut throat competitive mentality all the time. I’m okay sitting back and watching someone else…it’s work being on top, work I don’t want to put in I guess = lazy?
Dee, you can be first, next.
. Oh you like stand up too, cool. I watched comedians on BET, darn I forget the name of the show, but they were funny.
Meleah, I dunno. After a few days of staying up, I think we can all mess with our clocks, but I’m evil without my sleep.
Patricia, gee, I don’t remember turning in any homework.
I’m sure I was one of the quiet ones who tried not to get noticed, but those are the ones that the teacher calls on. For competitions I’m sure we all want to come in first, like me, I want to be in first place on Jeopardy..that would be so cool – ain’t gonna happen.
Being different IS better.
Cromely, oooh you’re really patient. I don’t want the slowest line, but I can learn to relax being next. Being last sucks right?
Al, I don’t think I was wired to be anything at an early age, gotta talk to a therapist about that, but yes, be first when it matters. When I get that vibe from people, I shrink back. To me there’s a difference in doing something well than wanting to be first. Attitude and consideration.
Mike, really. I’ve only seen FIRST. Heck, I said First at least once.
Roschelle, yeah I’m usually last except for when it should matter.
Kathy, nice saying. As we age, maybe we learn a little along the way.
Maricris, I think so, it probably is apart of our makeup, but not with everything, it’s annoying as well as tiring and for what?
Cookie, being first and doing well are two different things to me. Hey people are talented, that’s not to be stifled. It’s a lot about attitude and the way you treat others along the way.
Ross, hmmm, didn’t see that video, but it’s annoying when it spills over into inconsequential things, are we that vain? Question: did you beat everyone to the cinema?
JD, that’s a nice way of looking at it, if you happen to be first, good. We all can appreciate healthy competition from time to time.
Mark, Just do it.
Barbara, I hear ya on the gadgets, I always wait, but for a price drop. El’cheapo!
Lizzie, it is tiring when everything is a race or competition. The world would be a nicer place if we thought less of ourselves and more of other people. People killed a man to buy stuff? Something is not right.
Haley, welcome. Have a good day.
NaTuRaL´s last blog post..You’re So Vain You Probably Think This Post Is About You
on December 18, 2008 at 2:54 pm
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I honestly don’t understand why people have this need to be first. I remember having this need in Kindergarten – to be picked to be first in line to lead the class to lunch was so AWESOME! But we’re grown ups now. Haven’t we gotten over it?
I wonder how many of these people who are desperate to be first are drowning in debt…
Jennifer @ Money Saver 101´s last blog post..Free Books Everyday!
on December 18, 2008 at 8:25 pm
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Wow…I don’t have enough time as it is to get everything done, let alone spend time standing in lines JUST so I can be the first person!! Haha!
Angi´s last blog post..Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland
on December 19, 2008 at 3:20 am
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We can always learn something from the movie or comedy scenes. I like the Batman movie which the villain said “If you are good at something, never do it for free”.
on December 19, 2008 at 9:32 am
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I have a similar ritual – I watch one episode of one of my favorite sitcoms. Almost as good as stand up comedians
As for that being first thing – it’s human nature. From what I’ve observed, most of the people that just have to be first have no other real successes in life so they need to compensate somehow ….
on December 19, 2008 at 6:59 pm
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I guess it’s the innate fear of losing out when resources are scarce. It just doesn’t go away even when the scarcity is no longer there or even if it doesn’t matter even if you lose out.
C K´s last blog post..Burlington Arcade – grand dame of shopping malls
on December 20, 2008 at 2:13 am
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Being first can be exhausting… Therefore I’m ok with being “next”. If I’m going to get the same result as the first guy (e.g., an iPhone) than why not? Can you tell I’m not that competitive? haha
Miss you, girl! Hope you’re doing well!
Corrina´s last blog post..Updating The Blog
on December 20, 2008 at 12:12 pm
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Time always seems to be of the essence and if your always rushing to be first you may miss out whats important in life and sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses.
JustinSMV´s last blog post..Why You Should Drop Twitter Tool Qwitter Like A Bad Habit
on December 20, 2008 at 6:54 pm
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Being first is not the formula for success. Hard work is the formula for success for most people. Ofcourse, there are those who are just get lucky. But they are few and far between.
Jolie du Pre´s last blog post..Looks Like Fun! Take Your Sweetie to Puerto Rico!
on December 21, 2008 at 12:14 am
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Hi Valerie – I’ve never understood folk wanting to be first all the time. I would never manage it, even if I wanted to, as I’m nearly always late for everything.
And I know being late is bad and people get pissed off with me sometimes but I can’t understand why folk feel the need to rush round everywhere – it drives me mad.
on December 21, 2008 at 3:32 am
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Sure I’d like to be first at some things sometimes, but like you said, it’s more important to get the formula right! I’m fine with sitting back, observing, learning, and implementing lessons learned so that I execute on whatever I have to do properly.
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog post..[Poll] Are Blogs Credible?
on December 21, 2008 at 4:59 am
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Hi,
I wish you Yuletide Joy and A Blessed New Year together with your family.
Happy Holidays!
w´s last blog post..Christmas Nostalgia
on December 21, 2008 at 8:33 pm
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I never was a competitive person, but I did enjoy a good game here and there. There are some people where being first means the world and I guess people like you and I who just prefer being counted at all.
Melbel´s last blog post..Answers to the Unicru Application
on December 21, 2008 at 10:24 pm
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I guess it’s kind of cool to think of something and express it before others do. So I do enjoy being the first to observe something or to make a realization. However I guess I’ve matured some because I have little interest these days in the competitive nature of being first at anything.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Five Tools to Sharpen Your Authentic Edge
on December 22, 2008 at 12:57 pm
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What a great thought! It really made me think about my life, and whether I want to be ‘first’ too.
In a way being the first makes me a bit uncomfortable, because you can’t see what’s going on behind you. Being second might not be that bad!
Relimom´s last blog post..Am I a Mary or a Martha
on December 22, 2008 at 8:54 pm
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Jennifer, maybe it is human nature. We could speculate all day, people are interesting creatures.
Angi, I’ll tell you one thing I won’t stand in line for to be first, the latest gadget. I’m always last.
Atniz, that’s a great quote. I tell that to a friend of mine who scans everything I type for typos (she’d be employed forever if I’d paid her).
Setai, hmm, I never thought about that. I hate people who drive and cut me off just to be first or in front. They’re not going anywhere important, if they were, they’d be in an ambulance and not a car. Lol
CK, maybe, if necessary for survival, but in everyday life, with everything?
Corrina, being on top is exhausting. Sometimes it’s worth the “fight”, but relax sometimes. Miss ya back, I’m cool. I think. I’m stuck in a zone called ‘drag your butt’.
JustinSMV, true. Everything can’t have a timer or shouldn’t be about being first. Stressful and exhausting.
Jolie duPre, I agree, being first is not the formula..it might give you a little motivation, but watch out for those you might step on or hurt to get there.
Cath, me neither, of course it depends, I’m not knocking first…but like you said the rushing around to be first going nowhere. Everything is not a race or shouldn’t be.
Ricardo, me too. You learn a lot just by watching.
W, thanks.
Melbel, I like to compete and win, but for me, it’s not everything. I guess if I were an athlete, I might feel differently.
Tom, (I enjoyed your singing over on Robin’s blog). It is cool to think of something first, originality is cool (if there is a such thing as originality). Some firsts are great, others are a waste of time, mine in particular.
ReliMom, nothing wrong with being first, my emphasis is on always wanting to be first. Why the race, why the rush? Dunno, I often wonder, that’s all.
on December 22, 2008 at 10:39 pm
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If I was meant to have it, do it, find it, this circumstance will take place whether I be first, second, next or last. That’s just the way it is. I like your next philosophy however. Good reflections, great post.
thanks Milena.
Milena´s last blog post..Seen and Heard
on December 23, 2008 at 12:11 am
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I’ve got some link love for ya on my latest post, “6 Helpful Entrecard Dropping Tips“. Merry Christmas!
thanks laura, appreciate it.
on December 24, 2008 at 6:58 pm
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Hope and peace for this holiday season and for a fantastic 2009!
peace,
mike
hey mike, thanks and you too!
Mike Foster´s last blog post..Happy Holidays!
on December 25, 2008 at 2:20 am
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The comedian’s name was Jack Gallagher – I saw him on a Showtime Comedy special in the 80′s and he was hilarious. I was just thinking about his “being next” routine yesterday, and lo and behold – here you are talking about it! Here is his website:
http://www.jackgallagher.info/
oh wow, thanks nancy for passing that link along. i didn’t have a clue as to who it was, but i thought he was funny
on December 25, 2008 at 8:12 am
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I happened to be thinking about this today.
I realized there’s three interesting plays – first, fast and best. Fast can make lots of opportunities happen and it’s a numbers game. When you can’t be first, be the best.
hey JD Meier, i like that, can be first be the best. thanks for stopping by
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..My Favorite Personal Development Books
on December 25, 2008 at 9:04 am
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May the holiday season bring you peace and joy.
thanks Pam. you too.
on December 25, 2008 at 3:00 pm
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Happy Holidays!
I hope 2008 was good for you and my wish is that 2009 will be even better!
mamaflo, 08 was great and i would love a fine 09. you too!,
on December 25, 2008 at 8:27 pm
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Off topic, because I just want to wish you peace, love and joy this Christmas.
Cheers!
thanks lotus flower ,
lotusflower´s last blog post..Merry Christmas in 2008
on January 6, 2009 at 12:19 pm
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Wow! I’m seeing your 125 ad everywhere right now so I thought I’d finally pay you a visit. Great stuff here and I am now your newest subscriber
Ali
does that make me vain ali, i hope not. truth be told i’m sick of looking at me.
thanks for visiting and subscribing.
Ali’s Latest Blog Post
Blogger Suggests a Second Look…
on February 12, 2009 at 2:32 pm
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Last is best when presenting a deal.
it can be, if you’re good
Grog´s last blog post..Should A US Secretary Of State Except Bribes?
on February 25, 2009 at 6:34 pm
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When my kids were young, I tried to do the whole non-competitive thing.
Problem is, my boys can turn “Apples to Apples” into lethal combat.
Their father eggs them on. I have given up.
it’s hard with kids, they want to be first – which is not too bad, but you can’t always be first – they’re just not old enough to know when to fall back, sometimes.
The Mother´s last blog post..You’re Trying to Make My Life Miserable!