Instant Gratification

“I want it…and I want it now!” Sounds like something a four-year old would scream in the toy aisle when a mother tells them they can’t have the Mickey Mouse doll that sings AND dances, right? I’ve certainly seen this happen a few times, but today I’m referring that statement to the mindset of so many young people today.

I am 100% aware of the fact that I am only 25 years old and still very green, but I look at my generation and the generations below me and think to myself – we want instant gratification and expect  it as well. We want to win every football game, ace every test, and make triple figures right out of college. All of which are possible, if one exerts some effort and is willing to work hard, but I think that’s often the problem.

Now, please don’t get me wrong – there are definitely kids and young adults out there with great attitudes and work ethic, but it often seems to be as if those characteristics are fading a bit. It was instilled to me at a young that if you wanted anything, you worked to get to get it. That even applied to supper at our house; I vividly remember my mother saying “This is not a restaurant, if you want your food, you have to come and get it yourself!

In order to achieve your goal or get whatever it is that you want, I think you must do the following things:

1) Respect – You must have respect for whatever it is that you are doing or want. Want   to be a winning football team – respect the game, the coaches, and your teammates. Desire to make good grades – respect your teacher. Want to get a new car – respect that car, knowing you will treat it well and not tear it up.

2) Care – Along the same lines as respect – you must care for what you are doing. Having passion and heart takes you to another level and it makes you work that much more towards your goal. When you are in a team setting, be selfless and care for your teammates. It creates a mutual respect for each other than will elevate your game.

3) Work Hard – You must make an effort and put everything you have into your goal. Attend and work your butt off in practice, study hard, and work an extra shift. Hard workers are always noticed and usually rewarded.

4) Listen – Take advice and hear suggestions. You have coaches, mentors, and bosses for a reason – they are in their position because they chose to be and want to help you grow and better yourself.

With this all said, I’m not sure I can say it any better than the Rolling Stones with, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find, you get what you need.”