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Turn that short-term goal into a long-term success!
We live in the age of instant gratification. We want it fast and we want it now! Instant gratification can often get in the way of our long-term goals. I remember reading a study that theorized our brains are wired to crave instant gratification due to the pleasure-releasing hormone, dopamine. If this is true, we can’t help ourselves. Striving for the long-term goal means awaiting delayed gratification. And therein lies the struggle. How do we push forward through something that may be innate?
It can be difficult to limit what you receive now in order to be able to receive something bigger and better in the future. However, a conscious decision to delay gratification can lead to greater levels of willpower and help you achieve greater success.
I used to be a “strike while the iron is hot” kind of person and I learned the hard way that the quick approach doesn’t always yield success. For me, that old adage, “good things come to those who wait,” has proven itself to be true.
Success comes to those who wait. When we talk about ‘waiting’ for success to arrive, we are really talking about perseverance. If you persevere long enough, you will see results. To see the results of your actions, you’ll need to stay the course.
But how? What strategies can we use to combine immediate rewards with long-term rewards?
Resources are not as valuable as processes and priorities. Although we each have access to the same basic resources, what we prioritize shows us what makes us different and makes us who we are. Think long-term and plan carefully.
Here are a couple of strategies that I believe can help you:
- Find short-term rewards that align with your long-term goals. Understand that there are levels to achieving success. A great example of this came for me when I wanted to go from 165lbs to 130lbs. I had to weigh the immediate gratification of eating whatever I wanted with my desire to be a sassy size four. After working out, I would treat myself to a protein shake, which was not only delicious but also did not work against me becoming more fit. As a reward for working out, the shake was a good short-term reward.
- Set small and achievable milestones along the way. On the journey to success, map out pit stops that will allow you an opportunity to refuel. In any form of motorsport, pit stops are extremely important. Pit crew performance on pit road could mean the difference between winning and finishing second. This same rationale could be applied to the success of winning at whichever goal you have set for yourself. race teams Much like a car race, plan a pit strategy prior to the start of every goal. During your pit stop, check all your levels and where you are to ensure that you can finish the race. Reward yourself here for things like consistency, endurance, and where you are in your race towards success. What you reward yourself with also needs to be something that means something of value to you.
-XOXO
Jamie
Jamie
2 Responses
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