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I grew up in a small town, pretty much in the middle of nowhere – in a recession.
There were very few jobs, little opportunity, and not much optimism. Ambition and looking to the future with hope were rare.
It was a time when wanting more out of life seemed pointless.
I felt like I was just drifting through life without direction or a clear path. Living for the moment led me into:
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Smoking marijuana
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Doing drugs
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Drinking
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Partying
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Watching porn
All of which I became addicted to…
But here’s the thing…
These were things others told me were normal.
Escaping Reality
We’re often told that certain behaviors are normal, even though science and experience show they’re not good for us. We might feel upset or resentful about a system that has failed us, leading us to view the world as a dangerous and dark place. This often results in escaping reality through:
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Social media
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Endless Netflix binge-watching
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Drugs and alcohol
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Unhealthy food
For me, these escapes were a way to cope with a reality I didn’t want to accept.
I didn’t feel like I had role models to look up to. Most people around me were involved in unhealthy behaviors, and I was just bouncing off the walls of life, living inside a box that society had built.
Starting a Journey of Self-Improvement
In my early 20s, I began a self-improvement journey. I heard the phrase, “You should become the person that you needed when you were younger.” This ignited a fire in me. I realized that unless we break the cycle of unhealthy behaviors, nothing will change.
The Lies We Believe
We’re often told lies that it’s normal to pursue momentary pleasures. But these behaviors lead us to:
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Sickness
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Unhealthiness
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Unhappiness
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Depression
The Need for Change
Reflecting on who I wanted to be inspired by, I realized that by delaying gratification and focusing on personal growth, things could get better. And they did.
The Future Needs You
The future needs us to change our behaviors and break the cycle of dysfunction. Consider these points:
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How many things are you doing right now that are making things worse?
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What if you stopped doing the stupid things that sabotage your progress?
Action Steps for a Better Future
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Identify and stop one or two things that are making your life worse.
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Communicate with others about your realization and commitment to change.
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Start doing one or two positive things that will help you now and in the future.
Living for the Future
Living in the present with mindfulness, rather than for hedonistic pleasure, helps our future selves. Imagine yourself six months or a year from now. What changes would you have liked to make? Ask your future self what they would want you to do today.
Responsibility for Change
We need to take responsibility for our future and our society. By putting aside unhelpful behaviors and making hard choices, we can create a better, healthier, and happier future.
Final Thoughts
Life is about growth and expansion. Just like a tree grows to its fullest potential, we should strive to do the same. By making mindful choices today, we can ensure a better future for ourselves and everyone around us.
The future needs you. Take up the responsibility for your own future and our collective future. Start making the hard choices now for a better tomorrow.
