Delayed Gratification

Photo Credit: quotemaster.org

EEEEWWW…Delay?!? But I’m an adult! I can do what I want and I want it now! Unfortunately, whether they admit it or not, this is the way that most people manage their desires. This is why consumer debt in the U.S. continues to increase year over year and the assets that individuals hold are becoming less likely to sustain them once they reach retirement age. As children our parents force us to delay, like when they didn’t let us eat dessert before dinner. As an adult however, we must discipline ourselves to intentionally delay, knowing that when we do the end reward will be so much greater than if we hadn’t.

How much would you enjoy watching a movie that never built up the plot to an ultimate climax? What if all of the questions were answered and secrets revealed as soon as they were introduced, do you think this would be a blockbuster of a film? Most likely not. If you are like us, we find much more enjoyment in a film that builds towards an eventual end with the good guys winning. It is through the process of working through things over a period of time that makes the end result that much better. Our own lives operate in this same fashion. The end result is that much more gratifying when it was fought for.

*Warning* Constantly delaying for the sake of delaying so you can feel like a martyr is not what we are talking about here. Competing at a high level athletically has taught us to focus on the larger goal, while celebrating the minor achievements along the way. It’s about continually getting better, day in and day out, recognizing that this is happening, being proud of what you are progressing towards, and celebrating in your ultimate achievement when the time arrives.

​At the end of the day, delayed gratification is one of the most important keys to success. When we discipline ourselves to delay and don’t allow ourselves to get pulled in by the pressures of society or by our own emotions, we begin to set ourselves apart from the crowd. This means that we are bringing ourselves greater rewards than what we would have otherwise received. It’s important to know that our peers may not understand and could even unintentionally undermine our efforts in our delayed achievement. Most people have experienced this through slick remarks or offhanded comments from those who are closest to them. Know in advance that this comes with the territory whenever we pour our energy and effort into an avenue that others may not understand. Not only is this normal, but it should be expected and should never derail you in your efforts.

Ultimately, greatness does not come from a mediocre, half-baked effort. Greatness will only submit to those who are deliver a consistent and persistent effort over an extended period of time. Our wish is that you dare to dream big enough dreams that will stretch you, while also having the intestinal fortitude to stay disciplined over the long haul to see those dreams become a reality.

Win one day at a time,
​Brandon & Amanda