Selfies, text messages, live streaming, Netflix, instant coffee, microwavable dinners, these are just a few of the things we can get “right now” at the tip of our fingers. We don’t have to wait. I remember when I was a child growing up in Cameroon, there were a few series on television that the women and children enjoyed watching. We had to wait for 8pm on Wednesday for the next episode even though we were left in suspense. Such an excruciating wait, but there was also something exciting about looking forward to next week. Today, most of us don’t need to wait; we can binge the whole series in a week.
In a world where a lot is available right now and instant gratification is the norm, patience can be tough. It can be difficult to think in the long-term, not to talk of plan for it. To make matters more complicated, the accessibility of social media has made us watch people go from Instagram videos to being on TV shows or movies in what seems to be a short time. It can foster this idea that things need to happen now; you need to have a big impact right now and your goals need to be accomplished by now. I find myself thinking about what I want for the next month, new year, maybe the next 5 years. But what about the next 10, 20, 30 years? Granted, life is not promised to any of us, but while we have it, it’s a good thing to plan ahead.
Instant gratification has been shown to have some negative effects. Remember the Stanford marshmallow study? Children from 4-6 years old were given a marshmallow and were told they could eat it now or wait 15 minutes and have 2 marshmallows. About one third of the children waited. When followed for years later in their lives, those children who waited grew up to have more academic success and other positive outcomes as compared to those who didn’t wait. Sure, the study had some criticisms and recent studies have had more mixed results. Nevertheless, the discipline, self-control, and perseverance that it takes to hold out for the future eventually pays off.
Watch below how author, Simon Sinek describes how instant gratification is affecting this generation.
Working as a psychologist in a physical rehabilitation center for the elderly, I have noticed that whatever we do when we are younger catches up with us in old age. If you are a smoker for years, it leads to more health complications in old age, if you are diabetic and are not taking care of it, it can lead to various limbs being amputated, if you don’t build good relationships with your loved ones and others, you might end up alone in old age. The reverse of these things are true as well. Basically, you can’t cheat life. Whatever you are doing right now whether good or bad will catch up with you.
I’m sorry… did I get too morbid there? I’m just sharing that if I don’t learn to wait and I live only to gratify me now, some future outcomes will be horrible.
3 Ways to Practice Long-Term Thinking
All that to say, as 2023 begins, here are 3 simple ways to practice thinking long-term:
- Focus on the small things that are happening right now. There is value in letting the little things grow into bigger things rather than focusing on the big goals that haven’t happened yet. Read this article I wrote on change taking time.
- Remember where you were 5 years ago. You have come a long way from where you were a few years ago. This will help you see that things are happening in your life. And if you are in the same place you were 5 years ago, well here’s a reality check. What needs to change? This article might help.
- Envision where you want to be 10 years from now. Thinking of the long term can help you create a clearer vision for your future. It can also improve your patience and ability to wait for the long term.
As Simon Sinek says in the video above, there is always a mountain that we all have to climb. I add that we can only climb that mountain one step at a time. You can’t fly to the top. So, think long-term and be patient with the process.
I really enjoyed reading this piece! Thanks.
I’m glad it was an enjoyable read 🙂
Pingback: How to live in the present and manage worry about the future – African Mind Healer
Pingback: The Chosen scene – Does God really trust me? – African Mind Healer
Reading this at the perfect time, thanks African Mind Healer
It’s my pleasure, Tina!