This reflex, defined as delayed gratification in English, is more important than you think.
What is it and what is not?
Delayed acquisition refers to the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in order to obtain a more significant reward in the future. It involves giving up immediate gratification or pleasure in favor of long-term benefits or goals. Delayed gratification is often associated with self-control, willpower, and the ability to delay sudden impulses.
The concept of delayed gratification received much attention in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the famous “marshmallow experiment” conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel. In the experiment, children were given a choice between eating the marshmallow immediately or waiting a certain amount of time (typically 15 minutes) and receiving an extra marshmallow as a reward for their patience. The study found that children who were able to delay gratification and wait for the second nap demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of life, such as higher educational attainment, better emotional coping skills, and improved social competence.
Delayed gratification is important for several reasons
Goal attainment: delaying immediate gratification allows individuals to focus on long-term goals and work to achieve them. This ability is crucial for success in various areas such as education, career and personal development.
Improved decision making: by resisting impulsive actions and considering future consequences, individuals can make more informed and rational decisions. they can lead to better overall outcomes by weighing short-term benefits against long-term rewards.
Increased self-discipline: delayed gratification requires self-discipline and self-regulation. By practicing delayed gratification, individuals can improve their ability to manage emotions, control impulses, and focus on long-term goals.
Financial well-being: delayed gratification is closely linked to financial success. Saving money, investing for the future, and avoiding unnecessary expenses often requires resisting immediate spending impulses and prioritizing long-term financial stability.
Here are a few strategies that can help develop and strengthen the ability to delay gratification.
setting clear goals: clearly defining long-term goals provides a sense of purpose and helps individuals stay motivated to delay immediate gratification while pursuing these goals.
Creating accountability: Sharing goals with others or having an accountable partner can provide support and encouragement, making it easier to resist instant rewards.
Developing patience: Engaging in activities that require patience, such as meditation, mindfulness, or hobbies that require time and effort, can help develop patience and the ability to delay gratification.
breaking down goals: breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable steps allows individuals to experience a sense of progress and rewards along the way, even if the end goal is still in the future.
Rewarding milestones: congratulating and rewarding yourself for reaching milestones throughout the journey can help maintain motivation and provide a sense of satisfaction without compromising long-term goals.
Overall, delayed gratification is a valuable skill that can contribute to personal growth, improved decision-making, and long-term success in various aspects of life.