31 October 2005

What are you supposed to do before you grow up?

There's a burning question that I think really deserves an answer. What are we supposed to do with ourselves before we grow up? Provided, of course, that you term "growing up" as reaching the old age of 25, not as absolute spiritual maturity. But before you reach the age of 25, or 20 even, you should learn a few simple things.

1. You are not number one in the world.
No matter what it feels like when you're a teenager, the world does not revolve around you. There are people with bigger, more pressing problems than yours. I say this not to discourage you, but because it's true. No, it doesn't mean your problems are unimportant or shallow. It simply means that not everyone can pay attention to you when you think you need it. Sorry. But it is an important concept. When you go out and start working, your boss may not really care about how your date last night went. If you want to record the things that happen to you so you don't forget them, then by all means, begin a journal. Girlish as it may sound, it is helpful.

2. You're going to have to assume more personal responsibilty than you have now.
It might feel like you've got the world on your shoulders with homework, siblings, friends, sports, and everything else, but sooner or later you're going to have to take a job and/or get married. This will sooner or later happen to everyone. Responsibility is a part of life. You will just have to accept that, and prepare for it by serving in your own home and assuming as much responsibility as you can handle. This requires more of you, but trust me, it's worth it. You get the trust of your parents, as well as being able to learn to deal with crying kids, burning cookies, and spilt canola oil.

3. Responsibility will reward you.
If you're responsible in your own home, as I've mentioned before, your parents learn to trust you-if you are truly responsible. Of course, no boy wants to babysit anymore than he absolutely has to, but it will help you prepare for when you are a dad.

My main point is that before you turn 25, you need to have responsibility. When you're responsible for anything, your bosses learn to appreciate your work. Of course, you also have to have a good work ethic, but that comes later.

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