Old habits die hard.
At school, I crowned myself Expert Lounger of the Relaxed Order, Scroll Master over Time. I was untouchable. An assignment is due tomorrow? Pfft, I still have time. Is there a test the day after? Gurl, time is on MY side. Wait, the research paper that I tried to write isn't going anywhere? No problem, I'll just learn the whole paper and sit the exam two weeks away. I was just another lost soul enslaved to the Delusional Dynasty.
Was it my youth that warped my sense of time or is this simply a sign of the times we are in?
In an age of instant gratification enabled by technology, we have the potential to become the ultimate selfish being. The only thing that matters is that i am satisfied, the sooner the better. Call Dominoes if you're hungry in the middle of the night. Shop online if the shops are closed. Download Spotify if you want to listen to music. When you're bored watch Netflix (if you're hella loaded) or YouTube (if you're a hobo student AND follow the law).
Technology has also changed one of the most important facets of our lives: the way we form relationships. Trying to conduct business across borders? Email. Need to contact family and friends? Viber. Looking for romance? Tinder or Craigslist. Want a sex life? Porn.
But how funny (read mindblowing) is it, that in a time where speed is the norm, its offspring believe that time stands still? The quick pace of society leaves some kids unable to understand that in order to make something of yourself, you need to take time to work for it. Dreams are not manufactured in factories, granted to you when you come of age. You need to work hard to get anywhere in life. You reap what you sow. Even though kids probably don't explicitly believe this, common habits like procrastination hint otherwise. It's an embedded mentality.
In saying that though, in a world that pushes for globalisation, are we giving our kids the right incentives for behaviour needed as a global citizen? That in order to get anywhere worth going, you can't do it alone; that you can't throw tantrums when you don't get what you want; that just because your ancestors gifted you a life of privilege, you should wield your power responsibly?
I can't say we have, given the state of our world affairs but I definitely know the type of world I want my future (like wayy in the future) kids to live in. And if I can't even create that for myself, how could I expect it from anyone else? Just like how over time our society has learnt and reflects the value of instant gratification over time, I need to lay a strong foundation that will break down my procrastinating and time-wasting ways. Painstakingly, brick by brick, habits need to be built reflecting the value of time, sealed with the tar of love. Because what is sacrifice without love? What is a world with no God?
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