Let’s face it. We live in a society accustomed to instant gratification. Pressing a button on our phone enables us to access an up-to-the-minute bank balance, we can google any question for an immediate (and sometimes accurate) answer and we can order virtually anything online and have it tomorrow.
Is this good, is this bad, do good things only come to those who wait?
Though it goes against the grain of instant gratification, we know that most worthwhile pursuits in life take time. Exercise pays off, just not immediately. Eating well pays off, just not immediately. Persistent effort toward a worthy goal pays off, just not immediately. Yes, we know this; we just don’t always appreciate this.
Here is something that can appease our desire for instant gratification!
Shifting your mindset can yield immediate results. Consider a situation where things are not going so great at work. You’re frustrated and it feels like nothing is going your way.
- One option: You continue on the negative spiral. They are all out to get you, this always happens to you, there is no hope for you in your current situation. You complain to all who will listen about how awful it is. You get home and take your frustrations out on your family. The end result…mountains of negativity, no hope and probably a sleepless night.
- A better option: You pause and intentionally re-focus your mind. You take a few minutes to think about (or better yet, write down) the things you are grateful for. You still have a job; some people don’t. You are getting a paycheck; some people don’t. You have a safe environment to work in; some people don’t. Most of the time, you really enjoy what you do; some people don’t. This will help your mind get to a better state. You’ll look at the situation with a fresh perspective. Good for you, good for your health, good for your relationships.
Same situation, different outcomes simply because of your mindset. Your mindset matters. Intentionally shifting your perspective about a situation can produce huge dividends right away.
“Without the right mindset, skill loses its impact.”
~Scott Shickler
“Kindness is not about instant gratification. More often, it’s akin to a
low-risk investment that appreciates steadily over time. “
~Josh Radnor
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
~Galatians 6:9