The Convenience Epidemic: Are We Hindering Our Ability to Deal with Life?

The ease we find in our lives nowadays is unprecedented. We have smartphones, WiFi, and GPS at our fingertips, and we use them without a second thought. We grab meals at drive-thrus and eat on the go, using devices to stay connected as we hustle through our days. Even the latest in technology tells us what’s in the fridge, making it easy for us to access what we need without much thought.

We’ve become so accustomed to these conveniences that we’ve built our lives around them. But have we become lazy and entitled, relying too much on these conveniences? Are we sacrificing our ability to deal with life as it comes?

We must ask ourselves these questions, especially as we consider the impact of convenience on our children. A troubling trend is emerging where children have their own tablets and headphones from an early age. They’re growing up in a world where everything is just a click or a tap away, and they’re not learning valuable lessons about how to prepare for life as it will be, not as we wish it would be.

It is high time we examine the convenience epidemic and how it is affecting us all. We need to take ownership of what we value and use technology in the best way possible instead of requiring it to do everything for us. Here are some ways we can start:

1. Challenge ourselves: Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. In fact, some of the most important things come from the hardest moments. Don’t always take the easy road. In turn, you teach yourself more than you know and you also inspire others around you.

2. Don’t complain: Life is tough, but we must figure out a way to make the best of every situation. Our attitude will remind us what is really important.

3. Go back to basics: When something is done for us, we forget how to do simple things, like tie our shoes. Progress and innovation can inhibit our willingness to do even the simplest of tasks just because we don’t have to anymore.

4. Determine your priorities: Schedule time for what matters most to you, like family dinner once a week. Don’t make excuses when things get in the way. If there’s a conflict, reschedule. Never cancel.

5. Appreciate loved ones: Talk to one another instead of sending texts or emojis. Nothing warms the heart and creates a moment more than a few shared words with the people you love most.

6. Keep your values, morals, and ethics intact: Let us not get caught up in superficial things like title and status. Remember what got you where you are and mentor others when given the chance.

7. Follow through with your intentions: Say “yes” only to the things and people who deserve your effort and time. Don’t cheat others with a half-assed performance because it’s convenient. Either be all in or get out.

8. Step away from devices: Don’t bring them to the dinner table or out with friends. Give yourself permission to “get off the grid.” Playing adds a fun element to your week. Laugh out loud, smile more, and giggle.

9. Try new things: Neglecting our human curiosity about being an adventurer of what else is out there dulls our sparkle. Get excited about starting a new part of your story with an exploration of sorts that includes going outside your comfort zone or just learning something new. You may not fall in love with this new thing right away, but maybe it’s just what you didn’t know you needed.

In conclusion, our addiction to effortless attention and a sense of entitlement is hindering our ability to deal with life. Let us challenge ourselves to use technology in the best possible way instead of requiring it to do everything for us. We need to go back to the basics, appreciate loved ones, keep our values, morals, and ethics intact, follow through with our intentions and not be so reliant on devices. We can still enjoy life’s conveniences, but in moderation. Let us make the effort to sustain our most valued morals and ethical behavior.