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.

  1. sorry I’m old now []
  2. Awh come on, that’s funny []
  3. Quote from Ben Tracy []

77 Responses to “You’re So Vain You Probably Think This Post Is About You”


  1. 1Wayne John

    First! Human nature, competition….it’s the reason I don’t enjoy sports I think…

    Wayne John´s last blog post..Thoughts in Time and Out of Season

  2. 2Wayne John

    But really I think that humans craving for being first causes many of the problems in the world. I think everyone should just kick back and relax a little. It doesn’t matter if your first or last, it matters that you try.

    Wayne John´s last blog post..Thoughts in Time and Out of Season

  3. 3cardiogirl

    I curse you Wayne John and your ability to beat me to the first spot here!

    I must be old too Natural, because I know exactly what you’re talking about — the comedian who wanted to be next. He liked the anticipation of being first in line, waiting to be next. I enjoyed that too.

    In all honesty I think it’s a way to validate one’s self worth. You’re competing against someone else and it’s a true measure, in that setting, to see who’s better at that task. Working on a puzzle? First one to finish is better at puzzles.

    Running a race? The first one to finish is the best runner, etc. It’s a passive aggressive way of rubbing someone else’s face in the fact that you are better at that task.

    I say passive aggressive because I don’t go on and on about my win, I silently revel in it.

    p.s. I did think you were talking about me and my competitive nature with this post. We’re you talking about me?

    cardiogirl´s last blog post..I can find that piece in three days or less

  4. 4sandy k

    i’ve learned at my advanced ??age that being next is a warm place- and you can watch there all the mistakes and egos that go before you !! sk

    sandy k´s last blog post..2 Albinos in Michigan- Must be Christmas Magic!!

  5. 5Squawkfox

    I’ll take last. In sports, last usually gets half the attention as first. Sure beats the bitter defeat of being second. It’s rare to see a happy second.

    Squawkfox´s last blog post..Printable Sewing Patterns: Softie Christmas Tree

  6. 6Karen Swim

    I like sports and I’m all in for healthy competition that challenges me to be better BUT I agree with your points. This need to be first is harmful. In many things, I’d rather be last. I don’t need to be the first on my block to have the latest greatest to make me feel better about who I am as a person. Let everyone else pay the higher price, test it out, work out the bugs and I’ll sidle in when it’s improved and cheaper, and there is not line.

    Karen Swim´s last blog post..The Gift of a Good Read

  7. 7Max

    I tried to be the first to respond! DRATS!!!!

  8. 8Christa

    Crap! I wanted to be first!

    Ok, I’ll settle for next. At least I was invited to the table in the first place. That’s a blessing.

    This is a great lesson and one I REALLY needed to read today.

    Sometimes I feel like a flounder….today, I think I’ll be a trout. *making the fish face, can you see me*

    Christa´s last blog post..Brain Farts

  9. 9robert bourne

    I use Number one a lot…:)

    robert bourne´s last blog post..Turned Inward Within

  10. 10Dot

    Great title! I agree. There’s nothing more annoying than looking forward to great blog comments only to read “First!” with no comment on the post. I’m old now too, and I don’t care if I’m first. A manager I had a number of years ago used to say that we should be on the cutting edge, but not the bleeding edge, of technology. I’m a few spaces behind the cutting edge, too. :-)
    Dot´s last blog post..How to Get Published

  11. 11Kim Woodbridge

    It’s a good thing I don’t feel the need to be first with anything because I would be very disappointed in myself. I think the only thing I’ve ever had right when it came out was a Wii and that’s only because my brothers thought it was fun to wait in line for one.

    Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..Jing Screencapture for WordPress Easter Egg

  12. 12Laura-Junkfoodaholic

    Yeah, I agree - it’s inherent in people to want to be first, to want to be the best, to want to win etc. I guess I’m getting old too cuz being next is fine with me! :) The guy that was first to buy the iPod… in my opinion it takes way too much energy to be first. I just have different priorities I guess.

    Laura-Junkfoodaholic´s last blog post..‘Tis The Season!

  13. 13The Fitness Diva

    Being #1 is the bomb, and having been that at many places, times and in many events, I can tell ya, there’s nothing better!

    Numero uno rocks! ;)
    The Fitness Diva´s last blog post..Would You Know How to Help Save a Life?

  14. 14Urban Thought

    This is the first I’ve seen this post but I’m not the first to actually see it. Nor am I the first to comment. Am I mad at that? No, not at all.

    I’m more concerned with being right than first. But I don’t mind being next for next after next. But first isn’t always ideal. I prefer to see how they did it so perhaps I can do it better. After all, it isn’t who does it first but who does it best.

    Urban Thought´s last blog post..Dating

  15. 15Raquel

    Sometimes I have wished that I had gotten to someplace first. When someone in front of me in the check out line that has a chain of shopping carts running over, with 18 registers and only 1 open, I have felt some frustration. But, then it is also nice to to have the feeling of being next, especially, when that person lets me go to in front of them. But to be the first to buy something is not always the best. That is because product testing does not always stop with the research and development department; sometimes the public has to suffer the results of being among those who are the first to buy a product that is defective and needs to be recalled or cannot be replaced. And sometimes people die as the result of poor planning in R&D. I once heard that it is good to learn from your mistakes, but it is better to learn from the mistakes of others.

  16. 16Chris

    The only time I like to be first is at sports competition. Like that comedian, I’d rather be next. I specially don’t want to be the first one when it comes to attaining that heavenly feeling during love making. ;)
    Chris´s last blog post..I Shall Return

  17. 17TheAndySan

    I’m next!

    I think that it’s much better to be better at something than to be the first to do it. Sure, you do get bragging rights and if you’re smart about it, patent royalties. However, being better will give you such a competitive edge over being the first that you might not mind paying a few extra bucks for the patents and such.

    What I’m trying to say is that it’s better to be in the lead than it is to be first.

    TheAndySan´s last blog post..We Need Jobs & To Present Value To The World

  18. 18Matthew Dryden

    I have never felt the need to be first - hell, I’d rather let someone else take the dive and tell me how it went before I do it myself.

    That is kind of a good and bad thing, I guess.

    Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..Leave a Message After the Tone

  19. 19Marelisa

    Never heard of Greg Packer before, interesting. I’m like you Natural, I was much more competitive in my youth :-) No, seriously, pick one or two things you want to be first in and for everything else “next” is fine.

  20. 20Vered - MomGrind

    I don’t care about being first. I’m just as vain as anyone if not more so, but “getting there first” never had much appeal for me.

  21. 21Penny

    Usually I don’t want to be first. Depending on what it is for, I just don’t want the attention! Being next sounds good :) By the way I love the idea of watching so much comedy! Surely doing that every day must extend your lifespan by a couple of decades with all that laughter??

    Penny´s last blog post..The Ultimate Christmas Playlist/ Party - Need Advice!

  22. 22meleah rebeccah

    Oh…. I actually HATE to be first for anything. I am lazy like that!

    meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Friday Funnies: CIGARETTES AND TAMPONS

  23. 23Babs - beetle

    I like to be first in a race for something, but if I’m not, I don’t worry about it. There are far more important things in life than being first at things.

    Babs - beetle´s last blog post..Would you like to mess up a Christmas Carol?

  24. 24Tamika

    I think they just want to be able to say I was the first one to get one of whatever it is they’re trying to get.

    I’m like you and content with being next. I see those people line up to spend their money and all I can do is shake my head. It makes no sense to me. Even in college, kids would camp outside the coliseum for basketball tickets. I was content with being in the nosebleed section. I have better things to do with my time like sleep in my nice comfy bed and use my own bathroom. Which raises a whole set of questions for me now about these people who camp out for days :-)
    Tamika´s last blog post..Senseless

  25. 25Leslie

    I’m with you on this one, I don’t need to be first…if it’s my time, I’ll take it, but being last is ok too-whatever spot, you’re in it because you’re supposed to be.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Leslie

    Leslie´s last blog post..I am an Angel…

  26. 26Natural

    Wayne John, ah ha. First. I was going to comment on my own post and say “First, you can be next” for whoever commented next. Some people take games too seriously and it sucks the fun of it to me. I don’t like to play with highly competitive people myself. It creates a lot of problems, jealousy, hate..think Tonya Harding.

    CardioGirl, lol. I think there’s a difference in wanting to do well and wanting to be first all the time. I like being first sometimes, but everything is not a competition. We should be glad about our accomplishments, minus the ego? Your competitiveness is cute, I just can’t play with you. :)

    Sandy K, next is cool, almost the same as first. It’s not about the position, but how you work the position you are in.

    Squawkfox, I could be a happy second, a happy last, uh, not sure. Maybe 2nd is so close to first and third is didn’t have a chance anyway? Hmmm.

    Karen Swim, healthy competition! We’re all competitive, but when we look for others to fail so we can be first, that’s when it becomes harmful.

    Max, did you really try? Next.

    Christa, you have an open invitation. Oh I have to remind myself of this from time to time. It’s easy to get caught up over nothing.

    Robert, not you Mr. Bourne.

    Dot, it took me a minute to figure out why people said first when commenting and it took me a second to duplicate it. I did it once as a joke, but I left a comment. There are plenty of blogs we can be first on.

    Kim, ooh you have a Wii. I should have one by the end of this year. I won’t stand in line for anything I have to buy but groceries. Well you know what I mean…. ;)

    Laura, I guess being first brings recognition, but being know for the first to get an iPhone, a real help to mankind.

    The Fitness Diva, well if I had your body, I might think differently. Well of course if you’re in a competition, you want to come in first…the fruits of your labor.

    Urban Thought, lol, that’s another one, being right all the time.

    Raquel, sometimes being second is a blessing. Sometimes when people rush in front of me, I always imagine something falling out of the sky and well, knocking them on their head for being so pushy…then I think how glad I was that I didn’t press the issue of being in front. Don’t tell anyone, ‘k?

    Chris, hey there guy! Is that where you’ve been, trying not to come in first. Well then you are excused sir. ;)

    TheAndySan, not sure if you watch American Idol, but many of the people that came in 4 or 5th are doing better than the person that came in first.

    Matthew, well if it’s about someone taking a dive, literally, I’d let them go first. : )

    Marelisa, I never heard of Greg Packer either, just found him during the research. Yeah, one or two things well and let the rest go.

    Vered, lol..we all have a little vainness (is that a word) in us. I don’t want to get there first either…well not with everything.

    Penny, if it’s something of substance, first is good, it’s just when it lapses over into everything we do that it becomes tiresome. I’m trying to pull back myself with some things.

    I need to get my laugh on. I don’t watch tv much now, but listen to comedy radio. I did watch MAD tv today, very funny!

    Meleah, I used to be first on your blog, only because I was up early and it just worked itself out that way…I know the early posters.

    Babs, true, true. Being first in a race make sense, but not making a race out of everything.

    Tamika, as if with some things being first matters. It doesn’t always, sometimes it’s more “so what” than “wow”.

    Leslie, nope..sometimes I take my time so I’m not first. ;)

  27. 27Davina

    Hi Valerie. I was first-born. After that it doesn’t matter much. I’d just rather be right! :-)
    Davina´s last blog post..Future Self Meditation Invites Guidance

  28. 28Robin

    I often end up being first for things, and it is really annoying (I don’t mean sports or competitions - I can’t stand them). I find I have to hang back so I don’t end up being first (again)

    Robin´s last blog post..Festival Of Life

  29. 29Lance

    You make a great point - sometimes first comes with a price, and is that price really worth coming in first? Often, no. The idea of doing things “right” is a great example of this. Doing it “right” is often better than coming in first (but not having something “right”). Very nice article!

    Lance´s last blog post..Kindness Comes In Small Gestures

  30. 30Maxi Malone

    Love your blog. Thanks for visiting Soup2Nuts. As far as being first, never much cared, especially if a mob is involved. Don’t know how people stand it actually.

    May Your Glass Always Be Half Full

    Maxi Malone´s last blog post..Has Caylee Come Home??

  31. 31Steve | Trade Show Guru

    hi Valerie,
    I remember when I used to be able to stay up late. Now I’m the fuddy-duddy that mutters “early to bed, early to rise…”
    I can think of one example where I’ve been taught it’s not good to be first in line… when you’re in a group of speeding cars on the freeway (I’m not admitting anything!), the conventional wisdom is the first car gets the radar-gun ticket.
    ~ Steve, the fuddy-duddy trade show guru

    Steve | Trade Show Guru´s last blog post..Trade Show Secrets

  32. 32Lana

    I’ve long been content with being next. People also seem to have a preference for the closest, possible parking spot, too (another bandwagon I’ve jumped off long ago.) These kinds of things just add to the stress of already stressful lives. People need to learn to relax, & these 2 things are an easy place to start.
    (BTW, you still interested in that photo? I haven’t rec’d anything in the mail yet.)

    Lana´s last blog post..Hike at Northlake

  33. 33meleah rebeccah

    Yeah…I know, I loved when you used to be first. You just don’t love me like you used to.

    PS: I still LIVE for really good stand up comedy.
    xoxoxox

    meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Pink Eye

  34. 34Momisodes

    I loved this post. I think many do love and crave that attention of being first. But I agree that sometimes it is “an exhausting race to nowhere.” I’ve been fairly competitive for most of my life. Now I’m trying to hard to be content with next as well.

    Momisodes´s last blog post..PH: Favorite

  35. 35Carla

    I was never competitive. That has been my downfall academically growing up. I just didn’t care. I didnt even complete college because I didnt care and hated the competitive “I’m smarter than thou” nature of it. I rather read and study independently without rubbing elbows with others. I avoided competition in every way. Even as an adult, being first, best, or the most “anything” never appealed to me. Maybe I’m the other extreme.

    Carla´s last blog post..Deep Steep Travel and Gift Sets | Under $20

  36. 36Dee Langdon - BloggerNewbie

    I’m certainly not first on this post. And this post IS about me. I too can’t stay up like the big kids anymore and stand up comedy on comedy central was the reason I stayed up. I saw that skit too, it was good. I would rather be good at what I do than first at what I do. sometimes being first makes a difference but not usually.

    Dee Langdon - BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Do All Parent’s Want A “Do Over”?

  37. 37meleah rebeccah

    oh yeah…I wonder…How come I CAN still stay up late? I think there must be something way off with my internal clock!

    meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Dear Santa,

  38. 38Patricia

    This post struck a cord with me because in school I liked to be one of the first people to present my paper or work or idea. That way I was always given the benefit of the doubt and given kudos for going first and taking the risk. Most other parts of my life I do not like to go first, I like to see what others are doing so that I can work on my creativity and present something in a new light.
    I did wish to get a first place in singing competitions, but I so loved singing it did not truly matter.
    I am a last born in my family, so I am always bringing up the tail end or everyone else is done by the time I get there - I learned to be quiet and not noticed most of the time, because being last all of the time got old. Being different was better.
    Thank you for this good idea and nice post.

    Patricia´s last blog post..People Are Often Unreasonable

  39. 39Cromely

    I came to the conclusion a few years back, that I will ALWAYS pick the slowest line at the store. No matter what I do, I’ll be in the wrong line. Now, I don’t even try. I content myself with that fact and have a much more relaxing day.

    Cromely´s last blog post..Snow in Seattle

  40. 40Al at 7P

    I guess at an early age I was wired to always chase to be first. I’d much rather save my time and effort to selectively do so only when it matters, and for other times, follow the same path you described and simply strive for “next”.

    Al at 7P´s last blog post..533,000 Is Too Much

  41. 41mike

    notice nobody ever shouts out FIRST but they always shout out NEXT

  42. 42roschelle

    I’ve kind of always liked for someone else to “test” things out before I jump in. So, I guess being first has never really been an issue for me…

    roschelle´s last blog post..WTF! Bush bars Obamas from Blair House

  43. 43Kathy @ Virtual Impax

    There’s a saying that goes along the lines of “Fools boldly go where angels fear to tread”. There’s a lot to be said for being “next” instead of first. This from someone who is always pushing to the front of the line only to learn it’s called the “bleeding edge” for a reason!!!

    Kathy @ Virtual Impax´s last blog post..Does your small business need to invest in yellow page advertising?

  44. 44Maricris

    I can only say that it is how we are as humans. It’s part of our genetic makeup. We always want to be on top or be first. Only thing I’m glad is that I’m not a type A person or it would be worst!

  45. 45Cookie

    I wanted to be first at primary school. Always A+ on math tests and when I went to high school I noticed it doesn’t matter. I know I’m better than anyone else studying 15 minutes to pass exam with B mark. What’s the purpose of learning 48h before exam to have a 1 grade better - nonsense for me!

    Cookie´s last blog post..How to make eating disorders and excess weight past history fast and easy

  46. 46Ross

    Ha - reminds me of that youtube video about the guy who always posts ‘first!’

    Just tonight I found myself walking briskly into the cinema because I didn’t want anyone passing me to get a better seat… doh!

    Ross´s last blog post..Six random things to feast on

  47. 47Franklin

    This is a great post! Sometimes we look that most important fact. That instead of rushing through our projects/experiments/whatever to be first, it should be that we work hard to make that work count and do it right. Slow down people! Produce quality over quantity. Just my 0.02!

  48. 48JD at I Do Things

    If I just happen to be first at something, I’m usually rather pleased, but I’m not competitive enough to want to try. I like the Ben Tracy quote.

    JD at I Do Things´s last blog post..I Faked a Concussion so you don’t have to

  49. 49Mark

    Do it right! If that is 1st, 5th or tenth…so be it! :)

  50. 50Barbara Swafford - Blogging Without A Blog

    Hi Natural - I’ve never been one who had to be first. If it’s new gizmos or gadgets, I’d rather wait until all the bugs are worked out and the price comes down. Too often I’ve had others brag about how they have this or that and they paid $x.xx, only to have a new version come out a month or two later and the other one is obsolete.

    Barbara Swafford - Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..NBOTW - It’s More Than A Funhouse

  51. 51LIZZIE

    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::.

  52. 52haleyhughes

    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

  53. 53NaTuRaL

    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

  54. 54Jennifer @ Money Saver 101

    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!

  55. 55Angi

    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

  56. 56Atniz

    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”.

  57. 57Setai Miami

    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 ….

  58. 58C K

    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

  59. 59Corrina

    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

  60. 60JustinSMV

    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

  61. 61Jolie du Pre

    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!

  62. 62Cath Lawson

    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.

  63. 63Ricardo Bueno

    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?

  64. 64w

    Hi,

    I wish you Yuletide Joy and A Blessed New Year together with your family.

    Happy Holidays!

    w´s last blog post..Christmas Nostalgia

  65. 65Melbel

    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

  66. 66Tom Volkar / Delightful Work

    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

  67. 67Relimom

    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

  68. 68Natural

    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.

  69. 69Milena

    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

  70. 70Laura-Junkfoodaholic

    I’ve got some link love for ya on my latest post, “6 Helpful Entrecard Dropping Tips“. Merry Christmas!

    thanks laura, appreciate it.

  71. 71Mike Foster

    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!

  72. 72Nancy

    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

  73. 73J.D. Meier

    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

  74. 74Pam

    May the holiday season bring you peace and joy.

    thanks Pam. you too.

  75. 75Mamaflo

    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!,

  76. 76lotusflower

    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

  77. 77Ali

    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…

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