I'm always hearing complaints about my generation and how everyone says we're entitled or expect things we don't deserve, to name a few of the things said. Though, I never thought I really knew someone who embodied those rumors until recently. I don't personally know the person, and though they seem very nice and sweet — I can't believe it. We all keep seeing articles and such about how we need to be more selfless and how awful our generation is, and I'll be quite honest: I thought it was the generation younger than myself.
A parent is tired of their child whining, so they hand them a distraction. A phone, a tablet, a toy — anything to shut them up. That's how it started. It started way before the parents of today — it started with older parents. Getting the kids to do the simplest things became so much easier when given an incentive for the task at hand. I hear myself asking what, if any, incentives are available to me. However, I'm not discouraged by the lack of incentives to complete something, I find motivation within myself to do it anyway.
There are a plethora of reasons to do the petty things we all hate. I'm weird, I love cleaning, but it's not just because it's fun. It's because after it's all over I can look at what I did and be proud. Because I can run around on the floor and not get crumbs stuck in my toes. Additionally, I write to inspire, to inform and to be known. I participate in activities because I enjoy them. I even pay to be a part of an organization for the thousands of fun events and to give back to my community while enjoying good friends.
Stereotypes are common about my generation, but I want to break them. I don't want to be that kid that asks for incentives and denies a chance at a great opportunity or experience because I don't get anything out of it. I won't be so naive to think that. Because I do. I get so much out of my everyday experiences that aren't quantifiable in the slightest.
Maybe it leads back to our parents, and maybe it affects the type of parent we will be. Satisfied by such instant gratification and setting that example for our kid' and their kids. Maybe it's even linked to our need for instant confidence from social media. We want that specific number of likes to determine our self-worth or it's not a selfie worth existing.
As a member of this generation I challenge you. Love yourself, love everything you do, and be patient. Be patient for the gratification you get when you know you've done something worth doing, not because you got a prize or someone told you. I challenge you to break that stereotype. Our generation has some amazing ideas, let's not let our selfishness get in the way of making a difference. The end result will be worth more than any incentive. Ever.
