Delayed Gratification and Success

Patience seems to be a trait that is quickly disappearing from society, and is anyone actually surprised? With technology changing so quickly, and everything always at our fingertips, how could we not expect everything instantly? This instant mentality doesn’t quite work with most things in life – or should I rephrase – anything worth having. We’ve started training our minds that we can have anything and everything that we want now. So what sort of implications does this instant mentality cause in all different aspects of life?

The Marshmallow Test

There was an interesting study done called the marshmallow test which tested delayed gratification in children. There was a marshmallow left on the table in front of them and they were told if they didn’t eat it they could have a second when the researcher returned. This is an extremely interesting study showing willpower, and waiting for a bigger reward. The children who waited for the second marshmallow were found to be more successful later on.

How Does This Relate to Business?

I think for any entrepreneur or business owner delayed gratification is one of the most important things to own. Nothing worth having comes instantly or easily, and hard work and persistence go a really long way. I was recently at an event where someone was asking for advice on how to advance their business, and when they were questioned what they were doing now in order to reach their goals they said they had stopped trying because they weren’t seeing results quick enough.

This got me thinking… those who fail give up, and those who succeed don’t. It’s that simple. Just because you aren’t seeing results instantly doesn’t mean that you won’t ever see results – time and effort breed results. Mastering delayed gratification is the key to success, and knowing that hard work will eventually pay off in the end. Put in the time, put in the effort, and stay consistent and persistent, and you will eventually start seeing those results.

Check out these articles for more:

The Marshmallow Test

The Marshmallow Test Revisited