Despair Can Crack You Up (in a Good Way)

A friend of mine told me about Despair.com after reading my post on optimism.

This is an extremely clever website that sells products that spoof motivational items such as the posters some corporations choose to display. You know, the ones that are about being the best you can be, reaching for the stars, etc.

Those must be the same companies who shell out the big bucks for Lucite plaques as service awards, so keyed in are they to what truly motivates employees.

Be sure to check out the Bittersweets. Guaranteed to put a new spin on your Valentine's Day.

Optimism is good for you - but pessimism is funnier.

Heather Mundell
Dream Big Coaching Services
www.dreambigcoaching.com
heather@dreambigcoaching.com

Comments

[Kimberly Schneiderman]

Perhaps people find the demotivators to be stress relievers. Laughing at these ridiculous scenarios are probably lightening the mood of those that read them…that lighter mood may help give people the energy they need to persevere (in whatever they are doing).

My clients often ask me if I think they have a chance at achieving their goals. Sometimes (if I know the client well!) I will use humor like "No, I don't think you will ever have a job again" to help them see that, given their hard work and focus, reaching their goals is actually the more likely outcome. It usually gets a chuckle and gives them that little boost they need to stay on the right track in their job search.

[Heather Mundell]

Yes, I think the demotivators are definitely stress relievers! Think about cynical strips such as Dilbert or any parody or spoof out there - laughing at our plight helps us deal with the ridiculous parts of it.

It's great to create the kind of rapport you have with your clients that you can use humor to change a perspective or a mood. I think humor is essential and I use it whenever I can!

[Anita Bruzzese]

I've known these guys for years, and interviewed them for my syndicated column. I have one of their posters on my wall (of a sinking ship) for when I take myself too seriously:

MISTAKES
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."

Anita Bruzzese
www.45things.com