Researchers of a recent study asked Millennials this question:
What do you think will make you “Happy?”
• 80% said to be “rich”
• 50% said to be “famous”
Hmmm, we have some work to do here. It’s a little bit concerning that this is the world we live in. If you are wondering who exactly Millennials are…they are individuals who were born from the early 80’s to the year 2000. I just missed the cut, but fall under the Generation Y category (mid 60’s to early 80’s).
With the advances in technology and access to many mediums that provide instant feedback, our attention spans and patience have significantly shrunk…I mean drastically. Let me list a few things that can be credited for this shrinkage (there’s something about that word I just don’t like):
• cell phones (do people even have home phones anymore?)
• text messaging (do people…especially young people even talk anymore?)
• social media (Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Twitter, Vine, Facebook…do people think quietly to themselves anymore?)
When we have a minute or two of down time, we open the old smart phone and review our “likes” and comments, while comparing ourselves to everyone else’s virtual reality we create for ourselves via filters, lighting, angles, and #tbt’s. The smart phone really has changed everything. I’ll save my rant about reality TV for another post…but seriously, how many reality TV shows are on now?…they dominate all stations.
Does this scene look familiar?
The Baby Boomers (born post WWII to mid 60’s) didn’t have the luxury to ask someone out on a date via text…or check their Tinder page. Here’s another question, do people even write letters anymore? The “Best Generation” (born in the 20’s and 30’s) couldn’t fax, email, or send a Snap to their boo or best bud (is the hand written note or thank you card a lost art?)
What I’m trying to say is that the word PATIENCE is almost non-existent. Instant gratification is at an all-time high. From binge watching entire seasons on Netflix to becoming an overnight celebrity on YouTube….the term “hard-work” and “paying your dues” have been lost…not just with Millennials or Generation Y (early 2000’s to present)…this includes grown folk too.
Here’s my point, many people think that being “rich” or success happens overnight…or that being famous is the highway to happiness. I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth. Stop waiting for the homerun and start playing “small ball”…do the little things, hustle, bust your butt, break your dreams into smaller goals. Add those little things up over time and you’ll get big things. Being grateful for what you have now will create more opportunities to receive a life of more abundance later. Playing the blame game and being a victim will get you nowhere.
You want to get paid like Bill? Work as hard as Bill.
Here’s another thing, many people quit the moment there’s a set back, failure, or adversity. This is why there are so few extremely successful people. The system is designed that way. It’s designed to keep those types of people out. Trust me, the people who win the most have failed the most. They simply view failure differently.
The average Joe sees failure as a roadblock, where successful people see failure as a building block.
Obsessing over only outcomes is a recipe for disaster. Being consumed by what you perceive other people think of you and making that a huge part of how you create your self worth is not the way to live.
The path to success is never a straight line
My life didn’t change until I learned that gratitude is the real currency. Self love, forgiveness, and acceptance is where rest and peace are found. Wealth is in relationships and living in community with others – and contributing to that greater good is where fulfillment lives. Progress and personal development is the ultimate status symbol. Fulfillment is understanding and trusting what God created you to do…and then doing it…not for other’s appraisal but for simply living in your gift. No one’s strength and talent is too small or insignificant. You were made for a reason. You are chosen. You are worthy. You are more than your profile page.
People who do something with the intent to be “rich” or “famous” need to find a new motive. Those two are like sugar and carbs, they taste good, but will burn out fast and are unhealthy if they are the only source that you fill yourself with.
My children’s generation have not been classified with a name yet, but for those of you who have kids like Kendra and I, let’s model a new vision of “what Happy looks like?” My dream is when asked the same question the younger generation (including Baylor, Bellamy, and Winnie) will say:
• Self love and self awareness
• Being generous and contributing to others
Sue me. I’m a dreamer. So here’s my advice: Work hard. Be patient. Put your phone down. Invest in your personal development. Know that you will rise faster by serving others. Love yourself without the “likes.” Oh, and take walks with your family to Starbucks.
That is all.