Now or Later ?

I think people are divided between to factions, those that live for now, and those that live for later. For instance, take two seperate guys, Sean and Derek (im stealing my friends names, this is not based on them) Sean does what he wants his entire life, with little disregard to the consiquence. When ever he makes money, he spends it freely on whatever makes him happy. He drinks when he wants and how much he wants. The early years of his life are so exciting that he is able to get by on the less exciting later years by remembering the good times. Then there is Derek. Derek works hard and he saves his money. He passes on extra things has a kid such as partying because he knows in order to have a better life in the future he must make good grades, get into college, graduate with honors then land a high paying job , work his way up the ladder then retire with over 6 figures in his bank account. Somewhere between the middle and the end, Derek is left wondering what could have been and is faced with the harsh reality that he has lost out on experiences that he will never be able to get back. He will never know what its like to sneak beer at a high school party, smoke a ciggerette in the school bathroom, skip school and fake a note from your parents, or join a fraternity and get smashed with the same guys for 4 years. Sure he has a good retirment plans, met a girl thru friends, got married , has a nice car and 2.5 kids , but who is really happy ? Derek or Sean ?

My entire life i have lived with very little regard for tomorrow. I would jump from one goal or dream to the other. I was never focused on anything for longer then a few months. I never thought about any decision for longer then one minute, and i never tried to make plans because the odds of me following thru with them were very small . Truth be told, my life has been a blast, i may have had some bad spots and low points, but i made up for it with my persuit of adventure. I also developed really thick skin (i blew $1000 in vegas and thought nothing of it). I have made the most of my 24 years on earth, but i have nothing to show for it. This is going to change.

My next 2 years are in the armys hands, but i shall do everything in my power to better myself before i get out. I have finally found something in life that i am truly pasionate about and i plan to study it methodically untill my body breaks down or i become UFC Heavyweight champion of the world. In the mean time, i will finish getting my degree and pursuit of a fall back plan, like the FBI. Im going to stop getting caught up in dead end distractions like money blowing, need to party everynight, bad relationships, stupid activities that get me injured and out of training. I have never been this focused in my life. Also, im pretty excited because i feel i can achieve something rare and worthwhile, the best of Sean and Dereks life.