I believe it is always important to look back at past experiences and decisions and think about how we could have made them better. I know this goes against the common recommendations of letting things go and not crying over spilled milk. But the fact is that we will often encounter the same or similar decisions. If we never learn from past experiences, we will never progress. I am again doing work late at night, and I found myself wishing I could have been this dedicated in the past. I have done pretty well for myself, but I can only imagine where I could have been right now if I had applied myself a little more. I find myself taking pride in working more and addressing my responsibilities. So as I watch a series on our public television on Japanese culture, I find myself envious of their culture–so focused on rules, timeliness, and an unparalleled work ethic. The series does touch upon the sacrifices in personal lives that a work-focused life can call for, but I think it is worth it. I am increasingly disillusioned with our own culture of YOLO, focusing on the self, and lack of focus/attention. Our country’s debt levels and the infection rates show how little most people invest in their future. I often wonder if there is any hope for most people, but I want to focus on building my own little bubble of order and dedication.