In 2022, most of us live our lives around a ton of instant pleasures daily. Whether it be TV, Text Messaging, or Social Media, instant gratification is always around us. We are instantly rewarded so much from likes, comments, and texts that It could make us lazy, and we very easily could lose our focus. We get a false sense of security from the consistent dopamine. This is why we should practice delaying gratification.
In 1972, there was a study done at Stanford called the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment. During this experiment, a child was asked if they wanted one small reward instantly, or two small rewards if they waited a period of time. The research showed that the children that waited and received two rewards ended up having better life outcomes. Maybe the key to living your best life is delaying gratifications.
Delayed gratification is the resistance to temptation. By doing this, we can achieve many different benefits. First one being, higher self-restraint. We are also more focused, and aware by not inviting distractions. It’s said that delayed gratification can bring better, and more creative thoughts. The biggest benefit for me personally is the enjoyment I feel. It feels way better to achieve things over time, rather than instantly. The feeling isn’t fleeting, either! Also, it gives a better perspective on how to achieve goals; putting the spotlight on the work rather than the end-game.
