Delayed Gratification - The Key to Future Riches
“Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now” - Richard G. Scott
Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate pleasure in pursuit of valuable, long-lasting rewards. Many people have ambitious goals and dreams, but they often face forces that divert them from their aspirations. These forces typically include fear and the desire for instant gratification, which can lead people to believe they have no choice due to their circumstances.
As humans, we all yearn for recognition and appreciation for our efforts. Similarly, when we achieve significant victories, we seek recognition and the opportunity to showcase our success to friends and family. For many, this involves acquiring material possessions that we believe reflect our success. Get a raise at work, buy a new car. Receive a substantial bonus, upgrade to a new phone. Apple releases a new iPhone, rush to buy it on the day of release or even pre-order it. While these items provide immediate satisfaction, they do not necessarily enhance our overall quality of life. Instead, they offer a false sense of success, not only to ourselves but also to those around us. As we strive to maintain that lifestyle, the pressure to perpetually sustain it grows, or else we risk being perceived as having made poor choices.
Rather than impulsively purchasing liabilities, why not invest that money or save it for future goals? This doesn't mean abstaining from life experiences and hoarding money, but rather finding a balance. The need for societal recognition and approval can hinder us from pursuing our dreams and force us into feeling powerless, with no choice but to conform.
Consider an athlete who wishes to turn professional. They must maintain the discipline of regular workouts and resist anything that hinders their progress. Delaying the immediate gratification of sugary and fatty foods can open the door to earning the respect and money that comes with winning championships. It brings the chance to not only live a great life but inspire or help others to better theirs. Resisting things that steer them away from their goals doesn't render their life meaningless; it means they're living for larger aspirations, rendering small, fleeting pleasures less important.
The most significant shift required here is the mindset shift. It's about planning for the future, setting goals that align with the life you desire, and steering clear of impulsive purchases, like that BMW, if it means having the freedom to spend quality time with your loved ones on your terms. It's about freeing yourself from peer pressure, as you work toward your grander ambitions, cultivating the patience and discipline needed to consistently make choices that align with your desired life. It involves surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your dreams and are actively pursuing them. Once you grasp the importance of this concept, your life will undergo a transformation, and every action will contribute to living a more fulfilling life. This might mean occasionally using a bonus for a well-deserved vacation or investing in a phone essential for business meetings. It's about making informed choices keeping your goals in mind.
Like Post Malone, we want to be patient until we can scream that we made it and everyone says congratulations.