In today's fast-paced world filled with instant gratification, the idea of waiting for something seems almost foreign. However, the concept of delayed gratification holds immense value in personal growth and success. It's not about finding a quick fix or a magic formula for success, but rather about understanding that good things come to those who wait.
Delayed gratification is about making sacrifices in the present for greater rewards in the future. It is the practice of resisting the temptation of immediate rewards in favor of more significant, long-term gains. It requires us to forgo instant pleasure in pursuit of greater rewards that are often achieved after a period of time, effort, and patience. This concept is rooted in the understanding that good things come to those who wait and that enduring short-term discomfort or sacrifice can lead to more substantial benefits in the future. At its core, delayed gratification involves making conscious decisions to prioritize long-term goals over immediate desires. This may involve refraining from impulsive behaviors, such as overspending, overeating, or procrastinating, in favor of actions that contribute to personal growth, success, and well-being. It’s all about self control and how aware you are. I believe it further boils down to pleasure vs enjoyment. (more on this later in the future edition)
You want to lose weight? Delay the gratification [by not eating that extra calorie dish for your pleasure]
Struggling with financials? Delay the gratification [by not splurging on unnecessary purchases and choosing to invest wisely]
Struggling with education? Delay the gratification [by prioritizing learning over other distractions]
Struggling with relationships? Delay the gratification [by delaying the impulse to prioritize one's own needs or desires over those of the other person ]
And many more such examples….
It is a fundamental principle that underpins personal growth, success, and fulfillment. By embracing the value of patience, self-control, and long-term thinking, we can make empowered choices that lead to lasting happiness and achievement.
Last Sunday, I went hiking to Temescal Canyon Falls. It's considered one of the greatest hikes because you get an amazing view of the ocean from the mountain. Recently, Los Angeles has been blessed with a lot of rain, which has kept the land from drying out (also my umbrella!). This abundance of rain has made the hike very lush and exciting with lots of greenery (and some insects).
Thanks to the heavy rain, there were many muddy spots on the hike that required careful attention with each step. A memorable moment happened as I descended along the trail - I encountered an elderly couple just beginning their hike. Near the start, there was a spot where water had collected, and people had laid small wooden boards to cross it. The challenge was maintaining balance to avoid stepping into the muddy water. I patiently waited for the old lady to cross, assisted by her husband who held her hand as she carefully advanced. When she reached my side, a bright smile lit up her face as she asked about any more tricky muddy spots ahead. "Yes, there are a few more ma’am," I replied gently.
Next, it was the old man's turn. Both of us [me & the old lady] watched him intently, as if this were the most important test of his life. With each step, it was evident he struggled to maintain his balance. Without hesitation, I offered my hand, sensing he might need assistance. "Hey sir, do you need some help?" I asked.
To my surprise, he declined my offer, asserting his ability to manage on his own. "Oh no, young man! I can do it myself. I still have it in me," he said confidently.
“I still have it in me.“
I couldn't help but be impressed. His determination was admirable. His unwavering spirit and resiliency was admirable. It was inspiring to see how he chose to spend the day hiking with his wife on such a beautiful sunny day. Can we please go out on sunny days and enjoy what nature has to offer?
He successfully crossed the muddy patch without getting his shoes wet. Meanwhile, the couple rejoiced in their victory, celebrating their accomplishment, bathing in their little success, I pressed on to overcome the same obstacle, determined to reach the end of the hike. Stepping onto the wooden block, I heard a familiar voice call out from behind, 'Hey young man! Do you need some help?'
Gratefully, I responded with a smile, 'No sir! I've got this!', and we exchanged a little laugh!
They patiently waited for me as I made my way across the patch. Upon reaching the other side, we exchanged smiles, feeling a sense of camaraderie and connection that went beyond age or circumstance."
Now that I think about this, it wasn't just the breathtaking views or the physical exertion of the hike that made it memorable, but rather the unexpected encounter with the elderly couple or other such small incidents that make the event memorable.
Nikhil Kamath dropped an absolute banger last week! If you've been following this blog, you'll know I'm big on podcasts. This episode(~4hrs) is one of the longest I've listened to, but the discussion is so engaging that time flies by. When you start listening to Nikhil, an hour feels like a minute. Normally, I listen to podcasts while I'm at the gym, but with this episode, I'd say I did more listening than working out. Do give it a shot if you are looking to try out your delayed gratification skills :)
What I read this week…
Top tweets of the week
My salute 🫡 to you☺️🙌