According to what I read today, the human brain does not evolve to accommodate delayed gratification. This might seem odd at first, but our ancestors lived in constant fear of being attacked by animals and were primarily focused on immediate survival and protection. They centered their attention on what they could accomplish right now to secure rewards in the moment. As we have evolved, however, the way we live has changed significantly. Today, much of what we do is based on the expectation of receiving rewards in the future, which goes against the way our brains originally developed.
When you eat healthy, you do so with the understanding that you are taking care of your future self, helping to prevent conditions like diabetes. Similarly, when you work out, you’re not just aiming for immediate results; you’re investing in your future well-being to become fitter over time. The same principle applies to finance: when you save money now, you’re preparing for unexpected expenses later, rather than seeking immediate gratification. Many people recognize this concept, yet they still struggle to plan for their future selves. This difficulty often arises because our brains are wired to seek instant rewards. Consequently, we often find ourselves fighting against our natural instincts and, as a result, have trouble sticking to plans that yield benefits in the long run. By understanding this tendency, we can learn to work with it instead of against it.
The truth doesn't always set up free
Some people believe that knowing the truth will set you free. However, when we examine how humans make decisions, we realize that knowing the truth doesn’t always lead to freedom. Many individuals understand that there are greater rewards associated with delayed gratification, yet they still choose instant gratification. This behavior is rooted in the way our brains have evolved. For example, when we advise people not to overeat, they are aware that doing so can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. However, the primary reason they struggle to make the right choice is the appeal of instant rewards. Most people tend to overlook the long-term consequences of their actions and focus only on the immediate benefits.
Instant gratification will always win when people are making decisions about their lives because people love instant rewards and That is why the first thing we do when we have money is to satisfy all our wants and our needs and everything we’ve been craving for. People know the truth behind delayed gratification, but when they want to make decisions, they mostly go for things we paid them instantly because our brain always goes for things with instant reward and avoids things with instant pain. You can use this to your advantage when you understand that when you are planning for delayed gratification, you can also enjoy some pleasure in the process.
The consequences will take longer
Human beings often seek instant gratification and overlook the consequences of their actions. For example, people who smoke or engage in other harmful habits are aware of the potential negative outcomes but continue these behaviors because the adverse effects are felt later. They focus on the immediate rewards and ignore the long-term consequences. The same principle applies to developing good habits. If you want to make a positive habit permanent, you can introduce rewards to help endure the initial challenges and pain.
Introducing some rewards can help you navigate and adapt to a new habit. If your new habit is too painful, you're likely to abandon the process. Instead, provide your brain with some rewards along the way. This approach allows you to prepare for delayed gratification by experiencing a bit of instant gratification. Rewards will protect you and help you manage the discomfort, as not everyone is strong enough to endure pain without any reward during the process.
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