Fact: Many studies have shown the ability to delay gratification is a crucial life skill and leads to greater success in a range of areas.
Proposal: Those who appear to be good at delaying gratification are actually good at finding alternative ways to be satisfied in the moment.
Proposal: Those who appear to be good at delaying gratification are actually good at finding alternative ways to be satisfied in the moment.
Example: I love working out. From the outside, it appears that I’m “delaying gratification” because I’m willing to work for months to get leaner, stronger, etc.
In reality, I exercise because it makes me feel good, I get to see friends, I like doing something physical, etc.
In reality, I exercise because it makes me feel good, I get to see friends, I like doing something physical, etc.
My theory is that the people who are good at accomplishing long-term goals (building a company, earning a PhD, getting in shape) spend very little time thinking about delaying gratification and more of their time finding little bits of the process to enjoy in the moment.
