Olympic Fever

Posted on 6 August 2012 by Douglas Chadwick

Great Britain is enjoying a marvellous Olympic Games. In these times of apprehension and economic gloom the country has experienced an enormous uplift in its morale and feeling of well-being. This of course can be attributed to the tremendous medal haul and the performances of our competing athletes, but I feel there is more to it than that. From the moment that the holding of the Games was awarded to London, to the carrying of the Olympic Torch around the length and breadth of the country, through the amazing Opening Ceremony and on to the Games themselves, the organisers and the media have played up the events and insisted that the population at large join in the euphoria of the occasion. It`s worked and the country feels uplifted. People are smiling and there's a feeling of pride at large in the country for this achievement.
 
So why can't this approach be used to resolve the economy? Why do we not tackle the problems of youth unemployment, at one end of the scale, and remove the uncertainty of  care into old age at the other end? Why can we not address illiteracy and feral behaviour in some minorities of the population and regenerate a general belief in self determination and financial independence. The easy answer is of course that the changes need to come from the top and that the morality of our politicians, financial and business leaders needs to under go a sea change. The culture of celebrity needs to be checked and pay should match achievement. But hang on a moment, the Olympics have been conducted under this regime and have been demonstrably successful. Perhaps the wish list above is not an impossible dream.
 
Lord Coe and his team knew what they wanted to achieve. They made a plan, a budget and jobs were allocated. These tasks were then actively monitored and  changes were made when needed.  The Government, The City of London and most importantly the Press stayed supportive and the job has been done. We could all do with mastering this approach in our own lives. Self determination, a reduction in negativity, the allocation of time and active management of your own financial affairs should all lead to a happier life.