How Keeping up with the Joneses Can Be Good for You

One of the books I have come to really enjoy lately is “The Law of the Harvest” by Sterling W. Sill. As the name suggests it is a book about the consequences of decisions using storytelling to explain principles that we can aspire to in life. Published in 1963 the book has a total of 52 chapters each with a story and associated principles that I found to be quite valuable. One of my favorite stories is about a phrase that is fairly commonly used here in North America “Keeping up with the Joneses”.

Now Mr. Sill wrote this book before the term influencer was coined but essentially that is what he’s describing when he says keeping up with the Joneses. Specifically, he says that we should watch the Joneses because of the good that they do for society.

“Dating back to a time before anyone can remember, a kind of conspiracy has gone on a particular group of people called ‘The Joneses’. This in spite of the fact that they have probably done more good in the world than perhaps any other group that ever lived in it. Being one of the largest families, the Joneses are mixed in among us so that no one lives very far beyond their influence. Our problem arises from the fact that they sometimes upset our composure when their accomplishments challenge us to adopt a more progressive program for ourselves.

But in spite of all our moanings and groanings about keeping up with the Joneses, yet it is still true that a good example from others is one of our most powerful success factors. The Joneses stimulate our imagination by showing us that worthwhile things can be done though they may at first seem impossible to us. The pressure of a good example keeps us on our toes, for which we owe the Joneses a debt of great the greatest magnitude.” (p. 159)

I find his statement above to be very true. I first decided to become an author while reading a book by Mark Victor Hanson and Robert G. Allen in which they said that every person has at least one good book within them. That concept had never occurred to me. I had enjoyed writing in school of course but I had never considered actually attempting to write a full book and publishing it for the world to see. Now one of the things I’ve learned from my endeavors to become an author so far is that you’re not going to do it perfectly right from the beginning.

Shortly after my first book was published, and I had attained my first copies, I submitted it on consignment to a local bookstore. Sometime later I went in and had an hour long conversation with the bookstore owner asking him what he thought of my work and what advice he would give me for the future. Having previously had several local author events in his store he said that the book had potential but I had made a mistake by not getting it traditionally published. He indicated that in his experience self-published books can do just as well as traditionally published books but they require you to be your own marketing department which is often quite difficult for a lot of people — myself included. Additionally, I have been a part of two authors groups and have come to appreciate that one of the things I was not good at my first go around was I did not employ an editor. Knowing the importance of an editor I now read that first attempt with some embarrassment because I know it could have been so much better. This embarrassment is actually beneficial though because the next time I publish a book I want to get a professionally edited and look into either traditional publishing or become more proficient at marketing.

The other key point I would like to make about this chapter of ‘The Law of the Harvest’ is he describes the Joneses as being hardworking, dedicated individuals, who benefit their community. Unfortunately, if you are going to find yourself influenced by somebody you need to make sure that they are someone you want to emulate. There are many people in the world who have great influence and unfortunately they are leading people to do things and take up habits that will not benefit them in the long run. To use a metaphorical farming example — these influencers are teaching people to plant dandelions instead of a crop they can sell. This is why we need to be very careful not only who we emulate but also to teach those who look up to us what is important to look for in a mentor or a leader. Dandelions are weeds that have some medicinal value but are so common that no one would pay you exorbitant sums for them. Instead we need to learn to grow crops that are rare and more valuable such as:

A good character so that people know they can rely on us.

A good work ethic so that we can excel in our careers and make the most money possible. A good work ethic will also open doors that may not be available otherwise.

Wise selflessness so that we can protect ourselves from predators while being a good neighbour who benefits our community

Generosity with purpose. Charity is important only if it actually benefits the person. Unwisely giving money to people who do not want to improve their situation is not helping them — it is enabling them.

Observational skills. Many biographies of successful people share the message that these people were able to make great fortunes or come up with fantastic inventions because they recognized a need and worked tirelessly to solve it.

Hope for the future. I know there is a lot of uncertainty in the future and that there is a lot of fearmongering going in in the media and world governments. I also know that there has never been a perfect time to live on the Earth. There have been widespread natural disasters, extensive plagues which took out hundreds of thousands of people, and economic collapses. The Earth kept spinning and life kept going — don’t let your fear of the future prevent you from enjoying the life you’ve been given. Do what you can and know that every small positive action makes a difference.