Like most second generation Australians, my parents grew up in a life of hardship and lived in poverty. Their life has grown very instinctive and survival orientated. They strive for normality, the ability to live life easily and to feel an ease of mind. In their world, completing a criteria is all they need.

That is why they have this whole "end game paradigm". Life is about tomorrow. An excess of effort is put into building a future which might let you have holidays here and there.

....And they don't even do it right.

Most parents believe that ability is the sole drive of a person. They believe that if their child can go to Harvard or get a degree in law, they will succeed in life. Seldom do Asian parents ever tell their kids that people LIKE those who play sports because it means they have a life, It's because it speaks more about their ambitions than their law degree does.

Nor do they realize that most of us are born into a privileged world. It's one thing to consider it self centered to live a flamboyantly luxurious life when poverty is still internationally widespread but it's another thing to completely spit on good fortune and spend life striving for basic necessities.

Furthermore, they do not realize that some things will not exist in the future. Close friends for example. You will never find it easier to get great, close friends that you do in High school. You diversify in University and most of you go your separate way. After that you're busy with work and family.

That is why you must take life today, not spend all your time chasing tomorrow.