Hickson Hapsa

Delayed gratification refers to the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward. Generally, delayed gratification is associated with resisting a smaller but more immediate reward in order to receive a larger or more enduring reward later. It is a key component in self-regulation and impulse control, and is often considered a predictor of success in various facets of life, including education, career, health, and relationships.

The concept of delayed gratification has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. Perhaps the most famous study on this topic is the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In this experiment, a child was offered a choice between one small reward (like a marshmallow) provided immediately, or two small rewards if they could wait for a period of time, typically 15 minutes. The researcher would then leave the room and the child would be observed. The study found that children who were able to wait for the larger reward tended to have better life outcomes, as measured by SAT scores, educational attainment, body mass index (BMI), and other life measures.

Delayed gratification can be seen in many real-life scenarios. For example, consider a student who has to study for an important exam. They could choose to go out with friends, which would provide immediate pleasure, or they could choose to stay in and study, which isn't as immediately gratifying but could lead to a better exam score and, in the long run, better career opportunities. The ability to delay gratification, or to forego the immediate pleasure of going out in favor of the longer-term benefit of studying, can have a significant impact on the student's success.

In another example, consider a person who is trying to save money for a down payment on a house. They might be tempted to spend their money on more immediate, short-term desires, like eating out at restaurants or buying new clothes. But if they can resist those immediate temptives and save their money instead, they'll be able to afford the down payment on their house, which is a larger and more long-term goal.

Delayed gratification is a skill that can be learned and honed over time. It often involves strategies like distraction (finding something else to focus on rather than the immediate temptation), visualization (picturing the future reward and how good it will feel to achieve it), and self-talk (reminding oneself of the long-term benefits of delaying gratification).

In conclusion, delayed gratification is a crucial aspect of self-regulation and impulse control. It allows individuals to make decisions that may not offer immediate satisfaction, but provide greater rewards in the long run. This skill can be developed and can contribute to success in various aspects of life, from academic achievement to financial stability to personal health.

7 SKILLS TO MASTER IN 2023

1. Speed reading
Speed reading is the process of rapidly recognizing and absorbing phrases or sentences on a page all at once, rather than identifying individual words.

2. Investing
Investing is all about planning for the future and everyone can learn a thing or two from it. That’s why to consider investing as another one of the most valuable skills you can learn.

3. Playing an instrument
Learning a musical instrument not only sustains and feeds the brain but also improves so many other cognitive and physical aspects of the human body.

4. Public speaking
Having clear articulation, engaging people, communication skills, mastering body language - all these skills are crucial to anyone hoping to succeed in both personal and the business world.

5. Productivity
Do more with less time. Do better with your time. Earn more with your time. Have more time to do something different. Have more time in a day. Be able to control time better. Improve yourself over time.

6. Data science
All corporations nowadays require a team of data scientists to keep up with the competition, as the rise of “big data '' continues, data scientists that can make sense of all this data will be more necessary than ever.

7. Emotional intelligence
It’s a scientific fact that emotions precede thought. When emotions run high, they change the way our brain functions… diminishing our cognitive abilities, decision-making powers, and even interpersonal skills. Understanding and managing our emotions (and the emotions of others) helps us to be more successful in both our personal and professional lives.

Build ASSETS before acquiring LIABILITIES