As the old adage goes, ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.’ But how much does that statement play in today’s society? In our day and age, many of us are consumed in materialism and instant gratification. No longer is being content enough, as individuals seem to possess an endless desire for more.

The human mind is one of the most astonishing features of mankind. In a world consumed by the quest for answers, the human mind continues to be a perplexing. The mind triggers sometimes illogical actions that don’t always truly have a rational explanation to them. One of the most irrational things the human mind does is to feel consumed by a desire of what they can’t or don’t have.

The unquestionable appeal of belongings, desires and relationships that one does not possess may always seem more appealing. The grass on the other side so to speak is your girlfriend’s best friend, it’s the sports car your friend has, it’s the bosses apartment and limitless wardrobe accessed by celebrities. We as a people are never satisfied with what we have, which causes us to not enjoy the beauty of what is right in front of us.

Many of us are convinced that acquiring material wealth and social stature will lead to fulfillment. Many people are have been brainwashed into believing this shallow misconception. What many don’t recognize is the chase of false idols and invaluable worth will invariably cause loss. It is only at this point that we appreciate what we do possess.

We all take things for granted — Health, family, fare, freedom, love and friendships because we have them without putting forth effort. We grow a certain expectation for them to stick around forever. Unfortunately, this will ultimately lead to a downturn in society, as we have become a ME generation and not a WE generation.

Our basic instincts and the values of our capitalist nation have made us strive to always outdo one another. Thus, we allow no one to be content with what they have because we are in unceasing competition.We wish to acquire what we lack to stay competitive with other members of society. Being happy and content with what one has makes them a non-competitor in the game of life.

The greatness and value of life is comprised of our own self-worth. We never realize the importance of an item until we’ve lost it. We grow unsatisfied with almost perfect long-term girlfriend or boyfriend when anyone just looks a little bit better strolls by. The thrill of what could be becomes a lot more appealing.

There is an inevitable life lesson that anyone who has reached success learns. What once seemed to be the answer to your desires will only serve as a stepping-stone to further discontent. One would think we would learn that the desires are not always the means of fulfillment, but instead serve as short-term cravings that fade into irrelevance once satisfied..

Temporary self-gratification will always come with myriad problems and stresses. Our society refuses to stress that success rarely comes overnight. Our middle class socialization and American values make us feel entitled to everything.

Self-gratification truly brings the worst out of people. You act selfishly and hurt the ones closest to you to chase desires that are not imperative to survival. The chase in itself is what motivates your desire.

There is no short cut on the journey of life. Falling for the myth of overnight success is the biggest mistake one can make.

Elite.