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Tick Mark Tourist

"Where is Blue Lake? Is it on this train journey? How can I fit it in my very tight sight seeing schedule?" asked an enthusiast 20something youngster on a holiday to Switzerland.

These questions were directed to the train conductor. I, sitting next to the couple, was in the hear of the conversation.

Next came out a a four folded notebook paper that had a few scribbles on it and a few ticks against some lines. "We have seen 11 of the 14 we are supposed to see today" exclaimed the enthusiastic partner.

Conductor was very helpful and explained that there was nothing special about the blue lake that was different from the lake we were passing by in the train at that time. But the insisting went on as to how to see, even if from the train's window, THE BLUE LAKE. All 14 "things" must be ticked.

It was an eye opener for me. How many times do we make a list to enjoy/complete the tasks giveing the due importance to each one? Is ticking against all a must? Would it compromise the true pleasure of leaving a few things unseen/undone and balance seen/done properly.

I see this consumer trait across many a daily happenings. List of apps on handsets, places to visit, people to call......

Are we increasingly becoming tick mark people? Can we be a little less?

Enjoy the journey.

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