Instant vs Delayed Gratification Examples and Why It Matters

ByDamian Redfield

Mastering Self Control

Do you find yourself doing the easiest thing to do most of the time?

I’ve been there too, but reaching for that Coca Cola isn’t going to give you what you really want. Sometimes, you must give up your immediate pleasures for the things that really matter to you. There will be instant vs delayed gratification examples, but you must understand why it matters first.

Practicing delayed gratification is what’s going to give you the life you really want so it’s important to hone it.

Why is Delayed Gratification Important

Delayed gratification is important because it teaches us to think in the long-term as opposed to the short-term.

Long-term rewards give you a satisfaction that lasts longer compared to indulging in instant gratification. Growth and achievement in any area of life requires patience and consistent effort.

If you can’t practice delayed gratification very well then you cannot build anything meaningful or worthwhile.

It’s about focusing on the bigger picture and not regretting your choices later.

Delayed Gratification vs Instant Gratification

Understanding the difference between both of these can help us make better decisions and be more intentional with our choices. Depending on which one you choose, the timing of rewards and impact on your life will be different.

Instant Gratification

This is when we prioritize what feels good now.

  • Choosing junk food over a nutritious meal.
  • Spending money impulsively instead of saving.
  • Binge-watching TV shows instead of working on a project.

It may give us a quick dopamine boost, but it will leave us unfulfilled and regretful in the future. It’s not of any real use or benefit to our lives to pick instant gratification most of the time.

Delayed Gratification

This is when we prioritize what will feel good later.

  • Sticking to a workout routine for better health.
  • Saving money to invest in opportunities or security.
  • Studying for exams to achieve academic success.

You shouldn’t sacrifice long-term goals for short-term desires because then you will suffer later on. Much worse than if you decided to actually put in the effort to achieve something.

Instant vs Delayed Gratification Examples

Instant Gratification vs Delayed Gratification Examples:

Here are some instant gratification vs delayed gratification examples.

Instant Gratification Examples

  • Eating a cookie instead of preparing a healthy meal.
  • Skipping a workout to relax on the couch.
  • Spending money on impulse purchases rather than saving for future needs.
  • Watching Netflix instead of working.
  • Scrolling through social media during work hours.
  • Buying fast fashion instead of investing in durable clothing.
  • Sleeping in rather than waking up early to work on a personal goal.
  • Choosing to play video games over studying for an important exam.
  • Texting while driving to respond immediately instead of waiting until it’s safe.
  • Splurging on unnecessary items with a credit card, leading to debt.

Delayed Gratification Examples

  • Meal prepping healthy food for the week instead of eating out every day.
  • Exercising regularly for long-term health benefits.
  • Saving money for retirement or an emergency fund instead of spending it all.
  • Finishing a work project before relaxing or going out.
  • Taking courses or learning new skills to advance in your career.
  • Investing in quality products that last rather than cheap alternatives.
  • Waking up early to practice a skill, like learning an instrument.
  • Studying for weeks to perform well on an exam rather than cramming at the last minute.
  • Resisting the urge to check notifications to focus on deep work.
  • Delaying the purchase of something until you’ve saved enough to buy it outright.

You could think of a lot more delayed gratification vs instant gratification examples, but this is probably enough for you.

Will You Exercise Delayed Gratification or Instant Gratification?

Everything you want to achieve is on the other side of delaying rewards.

The most worthwhile things need you to be patient and constantly put effort into them. Remember to always practice thinking of the future so that you don’t regret or suffer more than you have to.

If you need help with discipline and delaying rewards, then I recommend this book: https://gumroad.com/a/65719571/vrvFg

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