I scoff at the idea of haggling ^[2] for a better price.

I tell you that it’s no big deal when you get incorrect change at the drive through.

I tell you there’s nothing you can do when you get passed over for a promotion … for the third time this year.

I deride you for “doing the best you can with what you have” and remind you that it probably will never be good enough. So why even try?

I tell you “that’s just the way it is,” when your car insurance ^[3] rates increase.

I tell you that the doctor probably knows what he’s talking about and you don’t need a second opinion.

I heckle you to “just let it go,” when you know should stand up for yourself.

I tell you you’re not smart enough to understand anything about investing. Forget about it.

I belittle your pathetic attempts at time management. What did you buy that calendar for? You’ll never use it.

I tell you to just roll over when you get denied on your latest health insurance ^[4] claim.

I tell you you probably can’t finish your degree ^[5] with your work schedule and it’s not even worth it to try.

I mock you and say, “get over it, there’s nothing you can do,” when your identity is stolen.

I tell you that opening that high yield online savings account ^[6] isn’t worth your time.

I tell you that creating a budget ^[7] is more work than it’s worth.

I tell you that debt is normal and an emergency fund ^[8] is weird.

I ridicule you for even thinking you could get a better rate on your credit card.

I tell you that hard work may pay off in the long run, but procrastination ^[9] pays off now.

I tell you to stay on the couch and watch one more program.

I jeer at your attempts to learn about life insurance ^[10] and convince you to put it off one more time.

I tell you to stop caring because no one else seems to.

Who am I?

I am APATHY.

I am your worst enemy. I suck the life out of your existence. I rob you of pleasure, motivation, direction, and goals. I am the King of all Vices. I take from you all your hopes and dreams ^[11] and I give you nothing in return but depression and despair, vice and venom, scorn and sneers.

My mortal enemies are ACTION and PURPOSE. They disgust me to no end. Against them I have no power because they present a moving target. Though my aim isn’t very well developed, I never stop shooting the arrows of mockery at them. I also hate their cousins, PLANNING, LOVE, and RESPECT. They always show up after ACTION and PURPOSE have established their GOALS and set into motion a to do list that is easily accomplished.

Trust me, those guys are hard to live with today (but people eventually get used to them). Me? I’m easy to live with NOW, though I may cause a few problems in the future, but hey, we’re friends ^[12], right?

Right?

About the author

Ron has written 1082 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[21] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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