Whist coaching a client in South Australia earlier in the week, I sent some details about a product I had stumbled across that was very similar to what they have been planning on launching. It was a bit of a surprise as when they had started their venture there was nothing even remotely close to what they were looking at bringing to market.
The comment I got back was: “Definitely puts a fire under me and I had been thinking of kick starter funding. I think this just proves you can’t just muster along, you need to seriously dedicate time and effort (although I feel like a have) I really need to ramp it up and get things out there! Thanks Deb “
I responded: “I understand the good old procrastination. We work away but also want some free time. Sometimes we forget we have to initially deprive ourselves of a bit of free time to get what we want – lots of free time.”
The comment back: “Your comments just now really hit me, about free time… It’s so true. I want free time now but what I really want is true freedom. Work hard now and the freedom will come. Holy moly… That was good, thanks Deb! From talking to you just today I’ve also realised although I’ve been ‘working’ on my project, I can definitely step it up a notch! Thanks”
Whilst I have posted about delayed gratification in the past, I really do believe it is one of those areas we need to be constantly reminded about, why?
Tapping that snooze button instead of getting up for a walk, feels so good at the time, particularly when the weather is a bit chilly. Eating that piece of chocolate cake when we have really had enough, is a guilty pleasure. Reading that novel instead of putting time into our freedom project. These are all things that give us immediate satisfaction, but as the time progresses and the day moves on, all we feel is guilt and regret that we a) didn’t get up and go for that walk, b) ate that chocolate cake, and c) didn’t follow through with our freedom project.
So instant gratification, whilst great at the time does not last. What does last is doing those things that take us outside our comfort zone just a little, but in the long run give us what we truly want. Delayed gratification is a choice, you can have something right now, or you can have something bigger, better and more meaningful later.
Those who practice the art of delayed gratification are generally more successful within their career, relationships and to be honest most areas of life. Short term pain for long term gain.
Assess where you are at? What are you taking instant gratification on? What are you really postponing and why? Is the future you dreamed of, whether to be a certain weight, have a certain level of fitness or to achieve a specific goal within your business really that scary? Look at one thing you can change this week, take positive action for the future you want.
Deb
