Slowing Down in a Fast Paced World
We live in a fast-paced world and the speed of our daily life seems to increase at an unbelievable rate. We always seem to be in a hurry, and we have learned to expect instant resolutions to any problems. Technology has only fueled this increased expectation and as we continue to grow and develop as a society, we must not forget to slow ourselves down, to be patient, and to relax.
Technology
If we were to go back in time 100 years we would not know how to survive. Back then telephones were a new emerging technology, and the average household did not have the ability to own one. Today everyone has their own personal phone, and we can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world, without much trouble. This, alongside the rise of e-mail use, has created a society where we no longer send letters. We no longer walk to the mailbox daily to get a note or postcard from a family member. In the past, we learned about our distant family through mail communication, and we were patient to hear a response. Today when a friend or family member has a milestone event it is posted on social media and everyone knows about it, technology even makes it possible to share photos in real time. The importance of postcards and other types of notices is still in decline. Why spend the time and money sending out a card when everyone already knows everything?
Expectations
The fact that most people now have access to some sort of technology has drastically changed our expectations compared to that of our ancestors. We expect to be able to walk into a store and buy whatever we need without issue, we have become accustomed to knowing what is happening in the lives of our friends and family, and we have set an expectation that people must answer our questions quickly. These beliefs have caused us to forget to be patient. When a company or organization does not immediately return an email or a call, we get upset. We often forget that figuring our problems and issues takes time. We have been spoiled by our ability to use an online search engine from anywhere in the world. However, we often forget that the internet isn’t always accurate. There is nothing stopping a person from creating a website that spreads misinformation. Fact checking has been deemphasized and people often only believe things they want to regarding what they read and see online. This fact is important because we must remember that we are usually kept waiting for a reason. Companies want to give you factual answers to your questions, and we must remember that taking the time to research something is a good thing. So next time you are disappointed in having to wait for an answer, remember that you are waiting to ensure you get the proper information.
Pace of Life
Technology has combined with high expectations, and this has created a society where we are always on the move. If we delay, a competitor will steal your business or get the product you are attempting to purchase. In this type of world, we must remember to prioritize and relax. If we try to do too much too fast, we will make mistakes and we will get burned out. A simple way to start the process of slowing yourself down is to take a few minutes to access the situation. What problems and tasks lay in front of you and what must be done to accomplish them? Additionally, it is also good to set priorities. We all expect to get everything done but as our day progresses, we must reevaluate and change our plans. Things never go as expected and if our solution is to try harder often memorable moments are missed. Know what tasks are important and which ones can be delayed. Life is a never-ending puzzle, and we must remember to enjoy its challenges. Our lives are about the journey we are on and not the destination. We have no reason to hurry to get to the finish line.
The world is full of inpatient people who get upset when time is wasted. However, we must consider that wasting time can be relaxing and good for our mind and body. We must not allow delays to frustrate us, and we should not always worry about being the first to the finish line. So, remember to slow down occasionally. Be thoughtful and spend some time enjoying the moment. Odds are it will lead to some enjoyable memories.