The Power Of Delayed Gratification

We are living in a microwave society. It has become an instant world. Thanks to the power of advertising, we have been told time and time again. We can have it now. When we look at this from a success standpoint, the skies start to get cloudy. The real question becomes how long do you have to wait until you get the reward for your efforts and desires. The money managers of the world will tell you that your better to be earning interest than paying interest. You know that they are right. But why can't you wait?
I just love the Mark Twain quotation "People are spending money they have not earned yet to impress people they don't like". Upon reflection you will discover there is not allot depth to instant gratification. Don't think for one minute that I am a master of this theory. I struggle with this like many of you. At my age the need to impress others has diminished. Yes, we all have an ego to fuel however I suggest to you there are many ways to quench that thirst.
Studies have shown that people who are able to delay gratification have higher intelligence. This makes sense as people with higher intelligence are often better educated. These people understand the importance of the passage of time. Yes, this is a tough theory to digest for the living life in the moment crowd. Can we consider a university education as a form of delayed gratification? I guess we could say that as they are delaying earning money now so they can later earn more money in a career that they want. One glaring example of instant gratification is the high turnover of jobs. Intelligent people are switching companies to earn more money at the drop of the hat. This activity often results with less than the expected out come.
As a person who has struggled with delayed gratification for much of my life I have learned the following tips to better practice this important principle of success.

• Set a target or goal you must first obtain before you purchase a vacation or new vehicle.
• Study the landscape of opportunity in your current company of employment before you jump ship. There is a reward for patience especially if you are a consistent performer.
• Create a Vision Board that not only has material things you want on it, but also copies of credit card statements that show a zero balance.
• Delay making decisions until you have thoroughly thought them through.
• Be cognitive of the consequences from making snap decisions that have lasting effects.

I believe that the longer you can delay the gratification the bigger the reward. This does not mean that you have to live life with a seat belt on. The best outcomes most always follow careful consideration. Success is often dependent on your tolerance for delayed gratification.

There Is No Fast Train To Success

If you're looking for the fast train to success it does not exist. You see the fast train makes fewer stops. It's during the stops that we gain knowledge and experience. We get to reflect and to measure our progress. I believe if your in the hurry up and get there mind set there will be more bumps in the road. Yes it can be said the bumps are lessons we need to learn however if they could have been avoided, it means you were better prepared. I also believe there is allot to be said for enjoying the journey. The most important thing is for you to determine what success means to you. Once you know that, you can chart your course.
What do you picture in your mind when you think of success? Does it make you smile and feel all warm inside. If it does you are very fortunate. Much of today's society is wrapped up in want's adverse to goals and aspirations. A dream will always be a dream until you act on it. "The best dreams you can have are with your eyes wide open". Inspiring words from one of the worlds best business authors, Harvey MacKay.
The train always has to work harder going up hill. Hard work does not have to be filled with struggle and disappointment. I suggest you find a way to make it smart work that will increase the fun factor. Many success seekers get caught up in the planning process and their train never leaves the station. They live in fear of what happens when the train starts rolling down the tracks in the wrong direction. If you have never jumped off a train before it's exhilarating. The slow train is upon reflection easier to stop or to switch rail lines.
So why the train analogy? I like analogy's because they create pictures in your mind that cement the thought and help get a point across. You see I was more than a passenger on a fast train once. I was driving that fast train years ago. I could not wait to get to what I deemed to be success. I was driving at full speed to a financial number that I did not achieve. I came up just short before the train left the tracks. The best advice I can give you in your pursuit of success is do it with a purpose. The error in my judgement was if I had the money I could do what I wanted. The irony was I did not know what I wanted. My goal was singular. It was all about the money. It was not until later in life that I discovered what I really wanted. When I stopped chasing money, the money found its way to me. Wisdom does not travel on the fast train. That's why they say that wisdom is earned.