Alright! You ever feel like you’re constantly living for the next thing? That holiday, that promotion, the new iPhone or, an Android phone with a camera that rivals a DSLR, or even just the weekend? It’s like we’re all secretly hoping for a time machine to jump past the boring bits and land straight into the good stuff. For us Gen X folk, we grew up dreaming of flying cars and hoverboards from Back to the Future 🚗💨, but now it feels like we’re just perpetually stuck in fast-forward, always looking over the horizon. Are we, dare I say it, worshipping the future too much, completely forgetting how to actually be present? XAXAXA
The Future as Our New Religion
Think about it. We plan, we predict, we obsess over what’s coming next. Financial planners tell us to save for a future we can barely imagine. Tech gurus promise a future where AI does everything (and maybe gives us lawyers, eh?). Even our daily news feeds are packed with predictions and what-ifs. It’s like the future has become this giant, shiny idol we’re all bowing down to, convinced that happiness, success, or even just some peace and quiet, are always just around the corner.
This isn’t some ancient prophecy stuff, mind. It’s a modern phenomenon. We’re constantly bombarded with the idea of ‘optimising’ for tomorrow. Get fit for a healthier future. Learn new skills for a better job market. Invest now for future riches. It’s all about the ‘potential’ of what could be, rather than the reality of what is. And with everything just a tap away on our devices, whether it’s an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, there’s that constant FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out – not just on what’s happening now without us, but what amazing thing is being cooked up for tomorrow that we might miss out on. It’s a proper trap, that.
The Science of “Now” vs. “Later”
From a scientific point of view, our brains are pretty good at planning, aren’t they? That’s what helped us survive as a species, thinking ahead to winter, or figuring out how to build a better shelter. But somewhere along the line, that useful planning tool got cranked up to eleven. Now, we’re so future-oriented that we struggle to switch off that anticipation mode. It’s almost like our brain’s reward system is getting more kicks from the idea of something good happening, rather than the actual experience of it.
This constant forward-gazing can really mess with our heads. We end up living in a perpetual state of ‘almost there,’ never fully enjoying the present moment because we’re too busy anticipating the next one. That delicious nasi lemak you’re eating here in Johor Bahru? You’re halfway through it, but already thinking about the teh tarik that comes after, or what emails you’ll check later. It’s like we’re all caught in a mental time-loop, always chasing a carrot that’s forever just out of reach.
Finding Your Present Power Button
So, how do we hit pause on this constant rush to the future? It’s not about ditching plans or becoming completely oblivious to what’s coming. It’s about balance. For us Gen X lot, who’ve seen so much change and been promised so much ‘future’ that didn’t quite pan out (where’s my jetpack, eh?), maybe it’s about reclaiming a bit of that pragmatic, ‘live and let live’ attitude.
It means consciously pulling yourself back to what’s happening right now. That conversation you’re having, the music you’re listening to, even just the feeling of the sun on your face. Simple stuff, but dead important. Turn off those notifications for a bit. Step away from the endless feed of ‘future trends.’ Just be. It might feel a bit weird at first, like your brain’s had a sudden power cut, but honestly, there’s a proper sense of calm in it. You might even find that the ‘future’ arrives much more enjoyably when you’re not constantly chasing it.
Final Thoughts
This whole ‘worshipping the future’ thing, it’s a subtle one, but it definitely impacts how we experience our lives. We’re so good at setting goals and looking ahead, but sometimes, the greatest adventure is actually just being right where you are. So, next time you feel that urge to peek into tomorrow, try taking a deep breath and just soak in today. The future will get here when it gets here, and you might just enjoy the journey a bit more if you’re actually present for it. XAXAXA
References
- “Why We Can’t Look Away From Our Screens” – The New York Times
- “Why Are We Obsessed with the Future?” – Aeon
- “Use mindfulness to improve well-being” – Mayo Clinic