I had an interesting and quite lengthy conversation with a friend earlier in the day. She spoke about the anxiety she had developed from comparing herself and current status with others. In the course of the conversation we both got a lot more philosophical and both agreed that we had a whole lot to be grateful for despite the challenges. Yet the amusing thing was that we can't actually be described as doing all that terribly, not even close even though the challenges are rife. We tried to imagine how life may be in the next couple of years and the longer we imagined, the better we felt.
It was rather the anxiety to see changes effect in a short period of time that primarily drove our fears. After all, we knew people much younger than we are who seem to be doing a whole lot better. It can be especially painful knowing our work ethic or the circumstances that limit us from realizing our full potential. Yet as utterly ridiculous as it sounds, we knew that those fears were baseless. Things happen at their own time, of course we know this. Yet the problem lies with the obvious lack of contentment that we continued to experience.
In this now World where we want everything done yesterday, there are times when it is quite easy to get lost in the wave of it all. There are very little benefits to being trapped in the constant anxiety of expectations yet we find ourselves for the most parts due to the immense pressure we place ourselves under. Sure, there are a few problems whose solutions can come sooner rather than later, but to imagine it manifesting and simply daydreaming just won't cut it. People also quickly realize that pushing for instant changes with their energy can quickly lead to burnout.
Anyone who has mastered the art of long term thinking I am envious of. I used to dread the thought (and still do to a lesser extent) of thinking too far ahead, not to talk about the amount of effort it required to effect those changes. Yet those who have mastered this art and taken it as a lifestyle are less anxious and more motivated with the consistency required to see results. Instant results also may not give the full appreciation required and may be taken for granted.
Hive personally gave me an opportunity to think longer term about my finances in particular and life in general. Am still not perfect, but at a much better place than I was years ago. I want to be consistent on this platform for the next two years without thinking about rewards or falling short. So far that hasn't quite worked out, but am desirous of the fact that I won't regret it should I find the courage and fortitude to do so.