December 1, 2024 | #16 | read on The Happier Studio | Free Version
Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
What’s On Today
- Why Delayed Gratification Is Key To A Happy Life
- Every Big Transformation Begins With A Small Step
- 3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
Why Delayed Gratification Is Key To A Happy Life
Picture this: you’re standing at a fork in the road. One path is smooth and inviting, promising quick wins and instant gratification. The other is rocky and steep, demanding patience, effort, and persistence. Which path would you take?
If you’re anything like me, the smooth path is awfully tempting. And why wouldn’t it be? Everywhere you look, the world encourages shortcuts. It’s all about doing things faster, easier, and with less effort. Those quick fixes feel so satisfying in the moment. But here’s the tricky part: the easy path rarely leads to a place you’ll be proud of.
This is the paradox of delayed gratification.
Every day, we’re faced with two choices:
- The easy now, hard later route.
- Or the hard now, easy later route.
Choosing the “easy now” option might look like scrolling on your phone instead of working on that project, skipping the gym because you’re tired, or splurging on things you don’t really need. Sure, it feels great in the moment, but those small choices add up, and over time, they can leave you stuck in a life filled with regret, frustration, or unmet potential.
The “hard now” path, on the other hand, asks more of you. It might mean turning off Netflix to study, lacing up your shoes for a workout when you’d rather sleep in, or putting in the effort to nurture relationships that matter to you. It’s not always fun or glamorous, but it’s worth every ounce of effort. When you put in the work today, you’re building the foundation for a future you’ll feel proud to call your own.
But let’s be real: it’s not easy to choose the harder road. Our brains are wired to crave immediate rewards. This was useful for survival in a world of scarce resources—eat the fruit now, because tomorrow it might be gone. But in today’s environment of abundance, this wiring often backfires. Fast food, instant entertainment, and same-day delivery train us to expect rewards without the wait.
The good news? You can retrain your brain. Delayed gratification isn’t about denying yourself—it’s about making conscious choices that align with what truly matters to you.
When temptation strikes, take a moment to think about your future self. Will skipping this workout bring you closer to the health you want? Will hitting snooze make tomorrow’s to-do list any lighter?
Start small, set realistic goals and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Remove temptations that make it harder to stay focused—delete the apps that make you overspend or turn off notifications that pull you out of your flow. And don’t forget to acknowledge the progress you’re making along the way.
Make your future self proud.
Every Big Transformation Begins With A Small Step
Change can feel overwhelming when we think about it in terms of big, sweeping transformations. The truth, though, is that meaningful progress often begins with the smallest actions. Whether it’s reading for 10 minutes a day, setting aside a few dollars, or choosing a 15-minute walk instead of an extra scroll through social media.
These choices may seem minor but over time, they compound into significant results. This is the magic of the compound effect.
Every tiny habit, when repeated consistently, builds momentum. At first, the changes may feel invisible or too slow to matter, but consistency creates a ripple effect. One good habit leads to another, and suddenly, you’re further along than you thought possible.
The beauty of small wins lies in their simplicity. They don’t demand drastic willpower or a complete lifestyle overhaul. They are small steps that fit seamlessly into your day, helping you focus on steady progress rather than perfection.
When these small habits are aligned with your bigger goals and values, they take on even more power. Each small win becomes a stepping stone to something meaningful. It’s no longer just about the habit itself—it’s about how that habit builds toward the life you truly want. This alignment also makes the “hard now” feel worthwhile because it connects your daily actions to your larger vision.
So, if the idea of delayed gratification feels daunting, this is where you can start. Focus on the little things—one small action you can take today. Celebrate each step, no matter how small, and watch as those small wins grow into the foundation for the life you’re striving to create.
Big changes don’t require big leaps. They just require you to start small and stay consistent.
3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
- Grateful for the opportunity to share my research on the radio and reach more people.
- Thankful that my parents are healthy and doing well.
- Appreciate technology for making it easy to catch up with friends overseas.
What are you grateful for this week?
