It’s way too easy to get caught in the entitlement trap. After all, we’ve worked throughout our lives. We deserve a raise or special recognition, right? We’ve always had that benefit or this perk. Why shouldn’t we keep receiving it?
But the challenge with that mode of thinking is believing we can rest on past accomplishments. We deceive ourselves into thinking what got us here should be what keeps us here. In short, we get a little lazy and stop striving to be better. It reminds me of this proverb:
“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”
Proverbs 13:4 NLT
There is a difference between what we need and want. Our basic needs include air, food, water, and shelter. Beyond that, we have innumerable blessings. After all, if you’re reading this blog:
- You can read.
- You have access to an Internet connection.
- You have an electronic device on which to read this.
All of those qualities are great blessings, but not needs. Believe me when I say there was life before the Internet! When we see these and other blessings as needs we deserve, entitlement creeps in. As the Proverb says, we start to want much but get little. Entitlement can make us lazy and greedy.
Resting on Our Laurels
In addition, as I get older, I have witnessed so many people believe they’ve put in their time and they can coast to the finish. They feel it is appropriate to rest on their laurels.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the way life or business works. Technology continues to revolutionize industries. Plus, when we’re coasting, we’re going downhill. It is far better to finish strong than to creep to the finish with an ineffective, entitled mentality.
If you find yourself wanting much but getting little, perhaps you’ve been caught in the entitlement trap. When I’ve found myself there, I’ve found a good dose of gratitude and hard work gets me back on track.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
