The ability to delay gratification is essential to self-regulation, or self-control."
Delaying gratification means prioritizing a long-term goal over an immediately achievable one.
Resisting the temptation of instant gratification can yield significant benefits that outweigh the challenges.
The good news: There are ways to developimpulse control.
What can follow is a constant cycle of negativity that can prevent you from improving your health altogether.
But you will have enjoyed that flavor and textureeven though you’ve had those cookies beforefor a few minutes.
It’s a steep tradeoff.
Those who delayed their gratification also displayed fewer behavioral problems and later had much higher SAT scores.
Why Is It So Hard to Wait?
Despite the adverse effects, humans seem to be wired for instant satisfaction.
Closely related is the trust factor.
Whether you’re willing to wait might depend on your worldview.
Do you wait for something if you aren’t sure it will ever really happen?
Do you have faith in your abilities to reach your goal?
Delay of Gratification|Psychology, Self-Control & Benefits.Britannica.
2012;124(2):216-26. doi:10.1016/j.cognition.2012.03.008
Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind.
Routledge & CRC Press.
Mischel, W. (2014).The marshmallow test: Mastering self-control(First edition).
Little, Brown and Company.
