Our daily lives are filled with instant gratification.
Think about simple things like Facebook.
How excited do you get when someone "likes" your post and the red dot pops up?
In the kitchen, you press a button and your food can be heated up in under two minutes.
The microwave.
Fitness is filled with instant gratification promises.
Six pack abs in six weeks.
Ten pounds in ten days.
Our society is filled, and in some ways, craves instant gratification.
But is that what makes us happy?
Awhile back Coach Chris did a presentation on this topic for our team, talking about obstacles in life, how every obstacle creates an opportunity, and if the obstacle is easy or quick to get through, it's not that satisfying.
As much as we want quick fixes and instant gratification, it's not what actually makes us most happy.
If you don't have to work for something, if you don't have to power through something, go on the journey, overcome obstacles, and find your grit to accomplish the goal, it's not that rewarding.
Losing 10 pounds sounds great, but if all you had to do was press a button, it's not actually that satisfying or rewarding.
However, losing those 10 pounds after months, if not years, of struggles, pushing through challenging times, and finally crossing the line, that's what is rewarding.
Climbing Mount Everest is rewarding because of how challenging it is.
If you could take an elevator to the top, or if it was just a stroll in the park to get there, it wouldn't nearly involve as much reward and pleasure as it does.
Delayed gratification.
It's one of the hardest skills to develop in all facets of life.
If you can pass up the short term win now, put your head down and enjoy the journey, I promise the long-term wins will be much more gratifying.
Do you agree?
Reply and let me know...
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling