If You Could Make Anything 5 Seconds Longer What Would You Pick?

If You Could Make Anything  5 Seconds Longer What Would You Pick?

 It's 8:30 a.m., and I’m seated at my desk, dressed in my brown Cole Haans, Banana Republic slacks, and J. Crew button-down. This uniform gives me a sense of security and confidence, the kind that comes with fitting in.

In this uniform, at this desk, I have carved out my place in the world. I am a contributing member of society, someone others can proudly mention at dinner parties. “Scott’s doing great! He works for one of the big advertising firms downtown.”

By 9 a.m., the first of many meetings begins. I walk into conference room B on the 7th floor, ready to discuss strategy, execution, and our progress with the new Agile project management methodology. “We’re doing a reasonable job,” says Brian, the guy with the corner office. “I’m optimistic for the next sprint.”

As the meeting wraps up, Brian asks me to stay behind for a moment.

I sit back down. A few seconds of silence follow as Brian reviews his notes. I open my notebook, pretending to do the same. Mirroring has always worked well for me. Is that a stain at the bottom of my shirt?

“Scott, I’m concerned about your fit with the team.”

My fit with the team? What is he talking about?

Did he miss my detailed status update during the meeting? Didn’t he hear the account director praise my report formatting? Does he not see my polished shoes or notice the pattern of my button-down?

All I do is try to fit in. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do.

I finished high school, graduated from a Big Ten university, moved to an apartment in the city, got a job with air conditioning and health insurance, and enjoyed casual Fridays. I bought a car, then got a better job, and then an even better job.

This is fitting in, right?

The next promotion. The next raise. The next job. The next car. Getting married. Having children. Buying a house. The next job. Saving for retirement. Buying a better car. Buying a bigger house. Saving for college. The next job. College. Retirement. Grandkids. Death.

This is fitting in, right?

“…a great team requires alignment of each of its members towards a common goal…”

I daydream sometimes.

About cruising down a backcountry road with the windows down. About running along my favorite trail as the forest comes alive. About walking aimlessly along the lakefront, admiring the rising sun. About the business I’d start, the people I’d meet, the challenges I’d face, and the triumph of overcoming those challenges.

I have questions, thoughts, doubts, and dreams. But they’re foolish pursuits. Sooner or later, everyone has to come back to reality. It’s what’s known, it’s what’s done. If you’re not grinding, pushing, and firmly planted inside the box, you’re not doing it correctly.

This is fitting in, right?

In this world, this reality, there’s no time for questions, dreams, or considering whether the default path is the best one for you. There’s only obedience, compliance, and adherence. This is how you get ahead. This is how you matter. This is how you fit in.

And fitting in is what matters most…right?

Brian’s voice suddenly pulls me back. “Scott…did you hear me? You blanked for a few seconds there, buddy.”

About ten seconds, I’d guess.