Scaling Joy
I recently stumbled on Bronnie’s article, the regrets of dying and I found it inspiring.
My first thought was, this is a perfect guide but then I realized that the kind of people (think income levels, demography, etc.) may have limited her experience too. The last sentence is an assumption but I settled on a almost perfect. Safe yeah?
Temitope’s tweet reminds me of one of the things I hope I get done sooner than later.
The stuff I have had the greatest joy from, I maybe haven’t done enough of. Spotting someone at the toll-gate queue who obviously forgot to take cash (the way they were searching every corner of the car as they approached the toll point was so funny) and seeing the joy on their face when I hand them a N200 note (this was just too good) to paying for a training that helped a jobless family man with 2 kids land a job in telecoms (I hope He is paying it forward), telling the hawker to keep the change over 50% of the time (learned this from Clement) and many more examples, seeing joy on people’s faces is maybe my ultimate energizer. I have to say people have jumped in for me in my tough times too so I know the feeling from both sides.
Of course, I have my current primary focus but I thought to put down my thoughts on getting more people to participate on both sides of the “joy coin” (giving and receiving) — scaling joy.
- Sometimes 200 Naira is all that is needed. If you’d had to turn back at a toll-gate to withdraw cash when you’re almost late for a meeting, you’ll understand this. This means many can participate. Giving isn’t only for the rich.
- There is a problem with people gaming the system that has to be fixed (more in 3)
- Give-always give mixed feelings. Years ago, I found a group of young guys who spend all their time (like a day job) finding promos and participating in giveaways. The simpler version is the well-suited, tie-wearing guy, well-positioned in front of a bank always needing transport money to get to an interview. I know a guy in VI/Ikoyi. These things make givers feel cheated. Asking a hawker to keep the change is probably more helpful than giving a professional beggar some coins.
- It isn’t always an exchange of money. Sometimes, it’s providing guidance, checking on people or sending a timely message. e.g. https://twitter.com/tkb417/status/1436806115346497545?s=20
- People-first businesses, Good-agenda non-profits, religious institutions and Politics are probably the biggest ways/channels to scale joy.
Politics is something most people avoid getting involved in (I am one of “most people”). The funny thing is it has the greatest potential to scale joy or pain, depending on who wins. I have found that It’s Ok to not want to run but we can all support good candidates. The challenge I guess, is how to identify people who won’t suddenly change (e.g. you know who).
I believe people don’t just change. We choose to ignore and excuse the traits. Maybe finding and getting people to support inspirational candidates is the ultimate way to scale joy. (Ps: I believe that what I call “inspiring candidates” will do a lot more to increase voter turnout than “go and vote” campaigns. The assumption that people don’t know voting is important is flawed IMO)
Professional beggars and corrupt religious leaders (usually middle-management) are a big hindrance to religious institutions participation by the way. There’s a way to handle this; masked approval of requests similar to what is done in inclusive recruiting where the biodata, race and background of applicants are not hidden from recruiters until a candidate has passed. That’s a write-up for another day.
Thank you Tems and Bronnie for inspiring this.
Will edit for typos later, LOL. Please share your thoughts. You can read my thoughts on Inspiring candidates here: On People, Political Parties, Leadership and Winning elections in Nigeria | by kunle Jinadu | Medium
