Your priorities now could be wrong. Wait. Don’t get me wrong. Of course, we all have our own priorities and things we value. To each his own. However, just like me before, you may be putting value in things that is not really important for you.
The things you want now
You strive for attention. You strive to belong. You want money. You want promotion. You want to get the latest gadgets. You want the parties. The luxuries in life and being seen as cool. You want to be heard. You want to feel important.
All of these are things you want when you are young. The material things that you see other people on social media are something you like to have as well. The prestige, privilege, and being known are the intangible desires you want to experience and have for yourself.
And maybe, you are able to get it. Thousands and millions like what you post and comments praising you for what you have achieved flood your feed. The feeling of being treated as a VIP is something that now you get regularly. And life is good.
So you think.
Not so important
These are things that do not better when you age. Maybe being known could get better but it could also go the other way. A lot of renowned actors were very popular before and now are the subject of mockery because of how they look. They own luxurious things that give them a comfortable life but, did not make life better as a whole.
Money enables you to be able to do what you need to do however, it does not also make your life better as you age. Well, depending on how it is used. I know someone who was rich when she was in her 40s and almost everyone in her family treats her as a god as they can always ask for money from her. Now that she is retired and has enough money for herself, none of those in her family who used to ask for money from her even visits her and be with her for the sake of spending time with her.
The people you spent partying with are all good and nice in the moment. You get to enjoy life’s offerings by going to different clubs, luxurious vacations, beaches, and such. And one day, when you are old and gray, none of it matters. None of them cares where you are because they are busy thinking about themselves.
What then are things that could get better as we age?
What we should value
When we get older, we tend to focus our attention on those that really matter. We get to care less for those that stress out and realize that it is not important for us. Here are some that we should focus on as these gets better as we age:
- Relationships. It is important and will get better as you age that is why you need to build this however, not all relationships are good. Connecting with someone because that person can do something for you is not right. Basing your relationship on that will end abruptly and you’ll end up with no one. Build it based on caring for the other person.
- Money. Using money to get what you want, giving it so that you could feel important, and having it for the sake of feeling rich is wrong. Have plenty of it and have a strong desire to use it to help other people to be better without any selfish desire of feeling important. It will not last. It will only get worse.
- Attention. We all need this as belongingness is an integral part of survival. But, if you are striving for likes on social media from people you do not know or care about, then it is just self-indulgence. Receiving that attention from people who care about you is better as they will always strive to see you get better and safe. These are the people that will give you the attention better when you get older.
- Material things. The latest gadgets, trendy outfits, and all the money can buy may be good for now but it would not mean a thing when you get older. Instead, spend on things that really bring you value, and that have a purpose. Buying for the purpose of having it will only last a moment. You’ll soon realize that it did not give value to your life.
Focus your energy
When we grow older, we do not care much for a lot of things and long for the time to be spent with the people we care for and love. It is the only desire we have. And if that is the case, then building that now as we grow older is the right way to live.
We could start focusing our energies to make that happen. We could also use the tools at our disposal to ensure that as we grow old, it enables us to spend the time we have with them.
So now, start thinking of what is important for you and gear your efforts toward that. By ensuring that all of your energy and actions are directed toward achieving that, at the final stretches of your life, you’ll be able to experience a more happy life.
Become better.
In the pursuit of fulfillment, young individuals often chase after attention, belonging, wealth, and status. They are drawn to the allure of material possessions and the prestige they observe on social media, seeking to emulate the lives of those they admire. The desire to be recognized and feel important drives them to seek validation through likes and comments, reveling in the temporary high of social media fame and the luxury it affords.
However, as time passes, the significance of these pursuits diminishes. The once-celebrated figures may find themselves the subject of ridicule, and the material comforts they’ve acquired do not necessarily equate to a better life. Wealth, while providing the means to live comfortably, does not guarantee lasting relationships or happiness in old age. The parties and social gatherings that once seemed essential fade into insignificance, as the companions of youth become preoccupied with their own lives.
As we age, our priorities shift. We begin to value the things that truly improve with time:
- Relationships: Genuine connections, not based on what others can do for us, but on mutual care and respect, become increasingly important. These relationships, nurtured over time, grow stronger and more meaningful with age.
- Money: While necessary, money should not be hoarded for the sake of feeling wealthy or important. Instead, it should be used to help others and contribute to the greater good, without any underlying motives of self-importance.
- Attention: The need for attention is a fundamental human trait, tied to our sense of belonging. However, the attention that matters most comes from those who genuinely care about our well-being and growth, not from strangers on the internet.
- Material possessions: The latest gadgets and trends may provide temporary satisfaction, but as we grow older, their value diminishes. Investing in items that bring true value and serve a purpose is far more rewarding in the long run.
In essence, the things that seem crucial in our youth often lose their luster as we mature. The focus shifts from external validation to internal contentment, from fleeting pleasures to enduring joys. It’s the relationships we build, the way we use our resources, the quality of attention we receive, and the purpose behind our possessions that truly enrich our lives as we grow older. These are the treasures that not only withstand the test of time but also become more precious with each passing year.
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