Traffic laws and numerous highway signs state clearly that slower traffic should drive in the RIGHT lane. Can these people not see miles of traffic crunched up behind them? Can they not see the “friendly” hand signals from the drivers around them? Can they not feel the driver’s hot breath and hear the flaming words of wrath and condemnation emanating from the cars behind them?

Are these people—could they even be called human beings—oblivious to their surroundings?

As I have grown older and shall we say more mature, these “lifelong left-laners” have become a fascinating case study for me.

What could possibly be their reasoning? Could the workplace and life also have “lifelong left-laners?” Are they some sort of morbid sub-culture?

These people who drive slow in the left lane always somehow find three or four semi-trucks in the right lane with drivers who have a Napoleon complex and together they joyfully snarl Interstate traffic for miles at blazing speeds of 45 to 50 mph.

I have seen irate drivers risk their lives and careen pass them out of control on the left grass median of the Interstate.

Why do they drive slow in the left lane?

1) The driver is blind and deaf? Uh, probably not.

2) The driver is suffering from a large case of entitlement? That could be. There are definitely certain ethnic groups and states such as Illinois, Ohio and Florida that seem to comprise the majority of these “left-laners.”

3) The driver does not give a #%@& about anyone else? Uh, yep!

4) The driver has a meaningless existence and has finally found one of the few places where he or she can exert control? Hmmmm.

5) The driver does not have a life and has nowhere to go? Could be.

6)

Can you fill in #6?

Does this have an uncanny similarity to people you work with?

Why does life have so many people who love to throw a wrench in the smooth working of life and career?

And God forbid, I hope YOU are not a left-laner!!

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When the pastor’s wife realized that not only were they unable to catch another another flight (by this time it was almost midnight) but also their family of five was being assigned to a Days Inn, she began making disparaging remarks intended to be overheard by the ticket clerk. As I watched the harried ticket clerk’s face, and realized my daughter was riveted to the scenario playing out before us, I knew this was the perfect time for a teaching moment.

After a lengthy time of complaining, the pastor’s wife finally realized that nothing would change the inevitable and they departed. I whispered to Paige, “let’s try to be really nice so the tired lady helping us will smile.” We stepped up and as my daughter stood beside me with my huge cowboy hat falling over her face, I saw the glimmer of a smile come across the overworked clerks face. Subsequently, we were also assigned the obligatory hotel room and went our weary way.

But now, for the rest of the story. When we arrived at our downtown hotel via the complimentary taxi which the clerk provided us, we realized we were at the nicest hotel in the city, to our surprise, we also found that the airport clerk had arranged for two deluxe rooms, so that each of the “big” girls could have a bed to themselves. Even better, we had been provided a complimentary deluxe breakfast the next morning in the sumptuous hotel restaurant. Soaking our weary bones in the luxurious spa and swimming pool, we talked about the lesson both of us had learned.

When we arrived at the ski lodge late the next evening, I wish I could adequately portray my daughter’s big eyes as she listened to the experience of the Pastor’s family that was polar opposite to us. The five of them had indeed been assigned a room at the airport Days Inn. A honeymoon room with one bed. And a tub in the middle of the room with no curtain. I could not help but laugh uncontrollably on the inside as they recounted holding coats up and turning their heads as “Queen Mom” quickly and uncomfortably bathed.

My girls (and I) learned a valuable lesson. In a few words: Entitlement inevitably results in unpleasant gifts!

We all know people with an entitlement problem…

“That’s not fair…”
“Everybody else is…”
“They all have…”
“If you really loved me…”

Many adults whimper at the slightest discomfort or infringment upon their time. And on the flip-side, do not think anything of sucking up others time. Why? Because, like children, they are convinced they deserve what they want – when they want it.

Many organizations are also poisoned with the problem of entitlement. In my interaction with companies, churches and artists across the country, I hear words that are telltale symptoms.

“What have they done for me lately?”
“This place owes me. After all, I work as hard as anyone else.”
“They’re not being fair.”

Makes you want to exclaim, “Would you like a little cheese with that whine?”

Unfortunately, it is not only “they”. We all need periodic inoculations from the “you owe me” disease.

LIFE SUCKS SOMETIMES; GET USED TO IT
Life don’t always treat you the way you think you should be treated. We can’t throw a pity party or bitch every time life sucks. That’s a recipe for isolation. Stay out of the endless pursuit of “justice”. Don’t destroy yourself with an obsession for revenge. Instead, determine to do the right thing, no matter what others choose to do.

LOSE THE VICTIM MENTALITY
“Habitual victims” are a pain to others and themselves. These “victims” are habitually blaming and complaining. When you hear yourself constantly complaining about your life and always blaming others for your troubles – it’s time to get real.

EVERYONE DOESN’T OWE YOU; YOU OWE EVERYONE
The “everyone owes me” attitude is simply an unrealistic and unhealthy way to look at life. We have so many blessings. People are gifts. They deserve our gratitude, not our deference. What better way to show thanks than to smile and be courteous? I believe that we are each called and uniquely equipped to create a different culture in this world.

A culture of respect, honor and gratitude. Sounds old school, doesn’t it.

Maybe we all just need a healthy dose of good ‘ole fashioned manners!

The bottom line: Others are not the problem – entitlement is the problem.

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