This column is primarily about human motivation, particularly being motivated by envy, a subject I’ve wanted to write about for years. It is a negative emotion that has been condemned by all cultures throughout history, yet it is a powerful motivator. Envy can be terribly destructive, and surprisingly... constructive.

Envy, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is: “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.”

People often mistakenly use the word “jealousy” when they mean “envy.” The feeling of jealousy is the anxiety we feel when someone tries to take something we have earned, already own, or feel we have a right to. Envy is about coveting that which we don’t have.

I believe envy is rooted in fear. The fear of feeling weak, impotent, or powerless. Advertisers love to fan the flames of envy. Getting people to one-up their friends and neighbors gets them to spend money.

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