One thing that I’ve learned in 25 years is how impatient I am. I have grown up in a society of instant gratification. I am the exact opposite of primary school teachings. Why, even Ben Franklin stated
He that can have patience can have what he will.
Well, I have found ways to skirt that. In fact, I believe most of us have. Here are some prime (and ironic) examples.
-For example, how about waiting 3 months for the latest gadget (in my case, the slick new apple tv) but then springing for the next day air shipping.
-Or watching a lean cuisine in your office cafeteria being nuked for 4 minutes but you just CAN’T make yourself wait that last 14 seconds.
-Or, sitting in a traffic jam but upon realizing that the lane next to you has about half the space available to a smartcar you hurriedly jump over.
-How about when you’re sitting in an elevator- and you full well know those doors are going to close- you press that stupid “door close” button (my theory is that engineers over at otis implemented this feature to try and save you that 2 minutes of ridiculous small talk with the office stalker).
-Another favorite is when a coworker emails you but then comes over within 2 minutes asking if you’ve read the email, and regardless of your answer, proceeds to describe the contents of the email, the outcome, the atmosphere/tone, and what prior events lead to the decision to send the email.
-One scenario of inpatience I realized during my recent visit to New York is how New Yorkers do not even hesitate to walk across a street in the instance of slight backup of crossing cars (and don’t even think about waiting to cross when the little man lights up- is the cross street flashing yellow? By all means- please proceed!)
- Ever notice the guy next to you at the urinal (Women readers please follow suit) decides to flush prior to even finishing up the business? Does that initial swirling of water really save that much time?
- I have a guy at work who will not read past about 6 words if he cannot respond back with a traditional blackberry-style, cut and dry response (”Yes” , “You’re an idiot”, “FYI”, “Call after funeral” are all acceptable answers). I used to try and build up to the subject, give a little background info with a well-thought out question..until I received a simple email back one day: “BLOT!” (bottom line on top).
[RANT ON]
I realize that we are busy people. Time is money, and you’re wasting mine. I guess my point is that we tend to waste all our time trying to maximize, multitask, and increase efficiencies to a point that goes beyond and defies logic. In the end, I am positive you waste more time in the details. I am not so special that the 3 minutes I shaved off by trying to shave in the shower without a mirror (and cutting myself) will ever be put to something useful (much less something to cite in an expense report).
What is it exactly that we are so desperately trying to achieve? Why are we scurrying to complete this given task so quickly? Rushing home to loved ones? Tivo not recording your favorite show? We are such a task-driven group that we lose sight of what’s important along the way. Granted, every man (and woman) needs a purpose. To some, what we do in life determines your value and position in society. A doctor is traditionally reverred and respected due to the long years of study and with that have great responsibility for saving lives. Others perform tasks so menial that they surround themselves with things to give the appearance of importance. As a corporate whore myself, I can easily attest that most of the corporate (business) world fits this dogma. The only value we add is to stockholders…we’re not saving lives, not changing our community, not creating some religious enlightenment. So what do we do? Buy ourselves a fancy blackberry, shine our shoes, and take pleasure in realizing that our friends from high school still work at Ruby Tuesday in our home town while we create excel sheets, attend meetings, and pretend to enjoy the white elephant gift exchange during the office Christmas party.
[/RANT OFF]
I am realizing that there is little need to hurry.
1 comment so far ↓
Here’s an instant gratification example you forgot:
Remember when at my old apartment we wanted to create a “garden oasis” on the patio? We went to Lowe’s and the Garden section of Home Depot and spent all kinds of money on planters and potting soil and seeds and gloves and watering cans? And after two days when I didn’t have vines growing over the rails and giant vibrant blooming flowers, we went and bought a ton of flowers and “ready made” plants and set up a nice green display out back?
Here’s one I do: If I am driving behind someone slow in a parking lot, deck, etc and they slowly come to a stop to do whatever, I make it appoint to drive off in a huff around them as to show them that the 8 seconds they caused me to wait was earth shattering.
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