I wouldn't in the least of my dreams ever thought that the saddle, side stand, mud flaps, pedals, etc wouldn't be part of the standard fittings on a bicycle. I was wrong to think that only the accessories were part of additions and not the so-called essentials.
This got me thinking as to why do manufacturers not offer these basic accessories as part of the standard package. And it was not too long before I realized that cost was the driving factor. The salesman though, packaged this reality with an honest look that it was 'to help customers to custom-build their bicycle to suit their needs with the accessories of their choice.'
In life, when we look around, we find so many instances where what one promises is different from what gets delivered and then we are asked to read the fine print. We have complicated our lives to make it so granular.
Let me cite a few examples:
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In the 90's we started extra focus on diversity, more to deal with gender equality. A few years later we added diversity and inclusion to cover different groups and different perspectives. A few more years later, we brought in a third dimension called equity to ensure pay parity etc. Now we have a fourth element - belonging!. When I look back at what my dad had taught me decades ago, I have a good laugh because, he said "treat everyone equally but on merit". To me this encompasses all these four elements and probably a few more that may get added on in future.
- We see people in general are oblivious of what's happening around them - injury or insult. That's how we are programed to be. We await specialists to tend to the concern!
As I contemplate more on life's experiences, I believe that as in the purchase of a bicycle without the so-called essentials as a standard, so also, we are very closed in our thoughts and actions that the whole experience of life is not experienced unless called for specifically. It is no longer a default setting. We may have reasons like the cost of the bicycle increasing with more accessories so also we may act indifferently as we are afraid of our time, energy and money may be sapped out?
Questions for us?
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Are we plagued with the various disruptions in our life that we are very specific and targeted in our approach. To the point and we have no time for relationship building anymore?
- Do we overlook the holistic picture because of legal boundaries or walls created by society?
Can we rethink our approach?
- Share beyond what's expected?
- Offer our services whole-heartedly and than just focusing on our key areas of expertise?
So, it's time for us to decide whether we are looking for a saddle-less bicycle, a bicycle with a saddle or probably even a bicycle meant for two 😊
