This slogan has me stumped. I mean I think I understand what it is saying, but it seems so different from the other slogans. It is like we are reading part of a different manual. At least that is my first impression. I'm curious to know more about this slogan. What is the context to this advice? Judy Lief writes:
"Sometimes we are in situations when there is a need for someone to take on a leadership position. After the question, “Is anybody willing to step up?” everyone plays the disappearing act and there is nothing but silence. In those occasions, if what is being asked for is worthwhile and you have the background or ability to take it on, you should just do so."
And I think: "God! I've been there. I've taken on more than my fair share of duties and responsibilities because nobody else volunteered." After several years I felt like: "Enough!" Was I still the ox or had I turned into a cow who was about to collapse? Could the meaning of the slogan be: "Don't pretend to be an ox if you are a cow. Don't take on more than you can carry"? That would be a message to all the overachievers who are victims of their own ambitions or their need to perform at 110% of what would be healthy.
Or maybe it is about forcing people to carry what is not theirs, like guilt or the responsibility for whatever awful conditions they have to deal with, as you suggest.
Lots to think about with this slogan. Maybe I can find some further comments.
This slogan has me stumped. I mean I think I understand what it is saying, but it seems so different from the other slogans. It is like we are reading part of a different manual. At least that is my first impression. I'm curious to know more about this slogan. What is the context to this advice? Judy Lief writes:
"Sometimes we are in situations when there is a need for someone to take on a leadership position. After the question, “Is anybody willing to step up?” everyone plays the disappearing act and there is nothing but silence. In those occasions, if what is being asked for is worthwhile and you have the background or ability to take it on, you should just do so."
And I think: "God! I've been there. I've taken on more than my fair share of duties and responsibilities because nobody else volunteered." After several years I felt like: "Enough!" Was I still the ox or had I turned into a cow who was about to collapse? Could the meaning of the slogan be: "Don't pretend to be an ox if you are a cow. Don't take on more than you can carry"? That would be a message to all the overachievers who are victims of their own ambitions or their need to perform at 110% of what would be healthy.
Or maybe it is about forcing people to carry what is not theirs, like guilt or the responsibility for whatever awful conditions they have to deal with, as you suggest.
Lots to think about with this slogan. Maybe I can find some further comments.