Short term gratification lures us.
So when you choose an action, ask:
“Is this for my present self or for my future self?”
And, conjure empathy for that future self. For one day, he will be you.
The more empathy for the future self, the less discipline and willpower necessary to choose the delayed gratification activity.
And while it might go without saying, it’s okay to engage to short term pleasures! The question is, are you conscious with your ratio of short-term to long-term activities?
For if you imbalance your ratio, those short-term pleasures begin to taste bitter.
