Foster Group

Motivation comes from many sources, elves notwithstanding.  This time of year, children have a particular interest in the potential treasures awaiting them under the Christmas tree.  To ensure their wish list objectives are met in full, kids put on their West Point-finest behavior and march in line like never before.

The latest phenomenon to ensure this order-following continues throughout the month of December is the arrival of the Elf on the Shelf.  If you’re unfamiliar, check it out here: www.elfontheshelf.com.  With this Elf comes an element of mystery, fear, respect, and an almost guaranteed "yes-sir, yes ma'am" household.  So, the billion-dollar industry of books coaching parents on how to garner obedience from their children has now been rendered useless...apparently.  All you need is the Elf.  Yep.

Just like kids, we adults know certain behaviors are required when it comes to planning for the future.  The idea of a successful retirement serves as our Elf on the Shelf, driving certain elements of fear, motivation and discipline into our planning and strategizing.  The key with the Elf, though, is that it must be visible.  You have to know that Santa's helper is ever-present, always watching; otherwise, you assume you can get away with anything.  If your plan isn’t written down, reviewed often and revised as needed, the likelihood of realizing your long-term goals decreases dramatically.  If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.  As the Elf purportedly says (or insinuates, because I've never heard him talk) . . . "Behave, or I'll tell Santa."