A generation of Discontent

"Quarter life Crisis" So this is what its called!

I read an article a while back which examined a social phenomena sweeping urban India, it tried to shed light on why so many 20 somethings are so discontented, disillussioned and unhappy. Whether its work or love, there is always an 'expectation hangover' this valley between what was expected and what it is. And as I was reading it a light went off above my head.

As someone who answers to this description, I asked myself why is it so? We enjoy far more opportunitites as compared to our parents, This generation is far more in sync with the world than any generation before. Choices are wide and deep, be it in career or junk food, we are the paradigm shift. or so they say. But more the number of pastures, greater the shades of green.

We grew up with mcDonanlds, computers, internet, but we also grew up with these tremendous expectations. Study Hard and get a good job and you are set for life. How many of us grew up listening to that and believing this almost romantical fairytale. And we have so many options and opportunities, there are really no excuses for failure and under-performance and definitely none for settling for anything less than perfect. And it is this tyranny of choices and opportunities that is making this the generation of discontent.

The hardwork I have put in, all I have foregone -I want better, I deserve better. It could be better, infact it could be perfect so not only unacceptable, it would be criminal to settle. If work can demand our best, we should be demanding the best of work.

But does this better and best really exist or have we just figured out a mechanism to hardwire dissatisfaction to our DNA?

I wish i had an answer, or even a conclusion to this entry.

All I can say is (never thought I would though) that the good news is thirties are just 4 years away!

My Resolutions for 2011

This is a time honoured tradition, making a list of goals for the coming year. This is a maiden attempt for me. I have never written down in black and white what I want to accomplish in the year. I am good with making lists but bad with following them up (that should be resolution one)

Do one thing a month that absolutely scares me: just this morning I replied to a mail at a work webgroup, which can potentially blow up in my face, and I had heart palpitations for 10 minutes afterwards. But, I participated and raised my hand- No regrets! I have done several things that absolutely scared the hell out of me, but in retrsopect those really were the highlights.

Lose weight: Seriously-its about time!

Stop Caring so much about what other think! Its your life and only you have a 360 degree view of it!

Work Life Balance: Have to, have to pursue other interests, work is important but stop it from sucking every singly moment in you life, it is not healthy or productive. I loved to paint once, rediscover- rekindle that interest.

Read More: People will say that if I read any more then my eyes will fall out of my head, and they will be right. I already read books by kilos not numbers but I need to adjust my 'reading profile' read more productively and to improve my mind.

Travel More: One day of travel will open your eyes more that 10 books. travel off the beaten track, travel to exotic places!

Manage my Finances better: I still dont have a clear idea of how much I make or how much I have in my savings account, this is unacceptable. I never had to worry about money (thanks to my parents), but, managing money is a big part of growing up... its about time I did that.

Value Family more: This is my priority number one, I should make them feel that way too...

Think Less: especially negatively. Thoughts are powerful things. Think good and good things will happen!

So its out there, my 'plan' for the year. Let us do a quarterly review and see where I have reached will keep adding as and when I think of things.