Instant gratification is something we all do from time to time. Falling into the never-ending cycle of instant gratification can hinder your progress when trying to set out a goal plan. If you have always been wanting to lose weight, rather than hitting the gym after work, and you opt instead for Netflix and a bag of potato chips, because the activity is easier, then this can lead to immediate gratification habits. Going to the gym instead can lead to gratification after you work out and put in the time. Exercise leads to healthy brain chemistry and a strong body, while you might not feel the energy to take part in exercise, it can be a good chance for you to get out to a class and potentially form new relationships with others doing the same activity as you. Which in return can lead to long-lasting friendships and gratification that lasts longer than a few hours.
Procrastination and Instant Gratification
When you take part in activities that give you instant gratification, you are often putting off things that you should be doing that will benefit you in the long run. Seeking out an activity that gives you instant gratification can lead to manifesting avoidance, which can turn into a bad habit, leading to long-term negative results. In addition to this, it can lead to you wondering why you are not accomplishing what you want in life.
As the saying goes “no pain, no gain!”. This is true when you are setting out to achieve something great that you have always wanted, there will be learning obstacles and things to overcome in the beginning. However, when you achieve the goals that you have planned for yourself, then you reflect on the learning experiences you had from your journey and remember the long-term gratification and joy you got from not taking part in an activity that made you happy in the short term.
Actionable steps to avoid getting caught in the cycle of instant gratification
Thinking patterns:
- Consider what avoiding the action can have on your long-term action.
- Develop self-control, i.e., don’t have junk food in the house if you know you need to lose weight.
- Think about your vision of your long-term goal and how good it will feel.
- Put reminders around the house of the positive outcomes of your long-term vision and goal.
- Be accountable to yourself. You are in charge of your actions, try to make productive choices.
When it comes to avoiding instant gratification, it will take time and practice. This is not to say that you should not take time to rest. The problem comes in when you repeatably take part in actions that delay your progress. There should be a balance between relaxation time (like Netflix and chips) and when you set out to do what you want to do.
When you do choose to work on your goals and set out what you planned to do that day, don’t forget to reward yourself! Taking the time to do the challenging tasks in life like studying, working out, or whichever other activity you must do, can take effort, so remember to celebrate small successes!
Bliss + You 