Why do we need to learn to embrace ‘the wait’ in this world of instant gratification? 

Struggle is inherent in all success stories. As tempting as it is to succumb to instant gratification in trying to overtake these struggles, success never comes from taking the easy way out.  

This is because ‘the wait’ teaches us the ever-important value of self-discipline. This is relevant in every aspect of our lives – from seemingly menial things like avoiding impulse buys to more serious ones involving theMalcolm Gladwell law. Self-discipline provides us with the willpower to practice responsibility, accountability, and control in our journey towards sustainable, long-term success. 

Understandably, this notion can be threatening especially in this day and age. Here are some tips on how you can attain success from deferring gratification:  

Establish your ‘why’ and write it down 

What are you working towards? What do you want to accomplish?  

Establishing our why is a great first step in delineating our life’s trajectory and keeping ourselves motivated throughout the journey. This may entail delving deep into our own thoughts, feelings, decisions, and actions as well as reflecting on our vision and goals. 

Once we have established it, the next step is to write it down. This would help not only in concretising our ‘why’, but also in keeping us grounded to it. In times of uncertainty – times that may prove to be inevitable during this wait – having this representation to go back to may serve as an effective reminder for us to always look at the bigger picture. 

Build a strong network of support 

Support is an invaluable element in keeping ourselves from the temptations of instant gratification. It is important that we surround ourselves with people that inspire us to grow and help us stay on track even with the many temptations around. Furthermore, this support can go a long way in motivating us to power through the struggles that we may be faced with along the way. 

Acknowledge your struggles and overcome them 

Success is built on a mountain of struggles. Ask any successful individual about their story and they will tell us about all the pain, hardships, and years of learning it took for them to get to where they are.  

In life, we will experience failure and feel lost at times, and that’s okay. What is important is that we not only get back up, but more importantly, ask ourselves what we can learn from the experience and what we can do so that we do not fall back into it again. The best thing about acknowledging our own struggles is that we get to grow as we get through them.  

Recognise that long-term success takes time 

Renowned author Malcolm Gladwell tells us that it takes 10,000 hours for one to become an expert at something. Sustainable, long-term success comes from putting in a lot of hard work, perseverance, and patience. It entails not only being comfortable with ‘the wait’, but more importantly, thriving and learning from every ounce of experience that we gain from it. 

Live in the present 

Waiting is not synonymous to being stagnant. Amidst everything, we must remember to make the most out of this period of our lives – the wait should not rob us of the chance to do things that bring us happiness. We can find joy while preparing for everything that is coming our way. 

For more information on how you or your teenager can learn about building resilience and finding success, click HERE or give us a call on 1300 039 662.