The Importance of Delayed Self-Gratificaiton

This week I realized again how critical it is to practice delayed self-gratification. Not only does it help you get ahead in business, it builds your personal character in such a way that you not only reach your goals but you do not purposely put obstacles in you path along the way. People who delay self-gratification are more successful in their careers, relationships, finances, health, and generally in all areas of their lives.

So lets back up… what exactly is delayed self-gratification??

“Simply, delayed-self-gratification means making a choice which limits the ability of getting something now, for the pleasure of being able to have something bigger or better later.”

Have you ever heard the saying, “Great things come to those who wait”? Well that’s exactly what this is! Now this does NOT mean that you just have to sit around and wait for good things to happen to you – no not at all! This just means that instead of wanting that satisfaction right away all the time, perhaps you need to invest some extra hard work in order to reap the benefits in the future.

Another great example of this is the saying, “Work now, play later”. Instead of taking the profits for yourself, perhaps you invest it back into the business to created an even greater period of growth. The same principle applies in living a healthy lifestyle – instead of eating that cupcake now, perhaps pass on it today to see even greater results in your health and fitness tomorrow.

SO WHAT?
We could go on and on with examples of where delayed self-gratification comes into play – but what is the purpose of thinking this through?

Society has created this mind-set where if you see something, you want it immediately! It comes as no surprise then that so many people live off of credit cards or are drowning in debt. Every decision in life comes down to making the choice: now for little, later for more.

Ultimately, delaying gratification is making a choice that enhances your willpower, and helps you reach your bigger goal at a later time. That willpower is so key – it is the measure of self control that will allow you look beyond your immediate desires and invest into those future successes. In my own life I constantly have to live with this new mindset – being your own boss requires great discipline and self control. When the money comes in, don’t get side-tracked by the riches and spend it just because you can. Invest every penny back into your business so you can grow it to reach the goals you originally set out to achieve!

So which will you choose? Will you settle for the level that you’re on right now, or will you make the sacrifice to achieve much more than you ever thought was possible? What areas in your business or life could really benefit from some delayed self-gratification?

Now I know what my choice is, and I would love to hear from YOU!

How have you built up the habit of practicing delayed self-gratification, and how has it paid off in your business or even personal life?
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I look forward to hearing from you all! As always, desire to inspire while building a business that you love.