Trading the Intangible for the Tangible

I recorded a podcast with Anna Farmery of The Engaging Brand a couple of weeks ago.  I’ll link to the podcast in the coming weeks.  It was a great conversation and I understand why her blog is called engaging.  She did a great job in allowing me to articulate my thoughts on having a great life as well as a great career.  But it was her father’s advice that is still resonating with me.

Anna told me that her father once advised that the intangible things of life can never be satisfied by the tangible.  See Lennon and McCartney’s take (Can’t Buy Me Love).  You might say "of course, Eric."  But why do so many people try to do what Anna’s wise father warned us not to?  Don’t have enough space to address all of the reasons here. 

The following outlines some reasons why we’ve taken the bait:

• We deceive ourselves into believing that the temporary feelings we experience will last.  You know what I mean; "now that I am ____ life will start to go my way."  Tangible things were never meant to last.
• The intangibles are hard, the tangibles are easy.  Need I say more on this one?
• Our wonderful friends in the media keep telling us that intangibles are not important and tangibles are. 
• We think more like consumers than we’re willing to admit.
• We don’t pay attention to history.  History will tell you that Love matters.

I am a man who attempted some of the above and I failed like many before me.  My conversation/podcast with Anna reminded me of how fortunate I am that I woke up. 

Here’s to all of the mystery, tears, hope, disappointed, and Love the intangibles bring.