Comments on: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait: The Power and Pleasure of Delayed Gratification

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:14:46 +0000

“Want to talk to a friend?” Text him????
Why not pick up the phone and call him. Much better idea, than text or e-mail and much more thoughtful. Shows taking time out of a busy day to see how he really is doing. You care!

By: MattC

MattC — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:16:37 +0000

Great article. Patience is a rare trait in people these days and self discipline even rarer.

Unfortunately, people will only like the idea of it once they’ve tried to abstain from doing something and getting more pleasure from it on the “off day”. It’s not something they can dabble their foot in before going with the idea full on.

Self motivation is needed but most people these days need a push or to see someone else doing it before they try it for themselves.

By: Tiago

Tiago — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:32:31 +0000

“Every man has a tremendous and tremendously underused power: the power to sacralize anything in his life. Using this power with wisdom is an important part of being a mature man. By purposefully, thoughtfully, and intentionally creating scarcity in your life and delaying your gratification, you can increase your happiness, pleasure, and strength, along with the vitality with which you experience life.”

I read this quote and I thought “who was the bright philosopher that came up with this?”. These are wise words, my friends… wise words.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:42:26 +0000

The Epictetus comment clinched it. This post wins.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:29:12 +0000

One article at a time Brett – you’re changing my life. Thanks.

By: Matthew Norris

Matthew Norris — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:35:15 +0000

It is amazing; I have been doing it right for years. You see my dad was dirt poor growing up in the red hills of Georgia, and while he provided for the family and we never went without, we also didn’t get the newest and the bestest. My school clothes had to last for years- not months and the same with my shoes. We rarely went out to eat, and when we did it was for special occassion or as a treat. Why go out? When you can eat cheaper and enjoy it more at home. If something breaks you fix it or get it repaired, before you get new… or you do without; which is why almost all my cars have not had AC, and I live in Florida.

So yea, I understand the value of waiting and then finding… “hey, maybe I don’t need it or want it after all.”

By: Henri

Henri — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:16:39 +0000

Hi,

Anticipation – i have been pondering about this topic. What happens to me a lot is for example I wait for social happenings like parties, meetings or other such kind. Usually i end up making too big assumptions about the happening beforehand and end up disappointed whit its outcome. It seems to be really hard to accept the randomness of what takes place in events and to use up the time before to gain towards other goals for making the approach to what ever takes place more painless. And of course gaining towards other goals in life give more self confidence and feeling of success so the outcome of any event wouldn’t be the single determinant of personal perception of life.

In conclusion I have felt the paralyzing effects of anticipation a lot and have tried to find ways of getting rid of it. But thanks for AoM for stating the necessity of it when placed upon rightful goals.

Thanks!

By: Drew Scott

Drew Scott — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:34:38 +0000

This is a fantastic article. But it is also a great lesson for us to teach the next generation.

By: Yayaati Joshi

Yayaati Joshi — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:05 +0000

Yes, I agree…patience is a rare virtue. Its advatages are known only to those whose practise it.

By: DR

DR — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:48:30 +0000

“Again, we’re not just talking about food here. For example, this is true of physical intimacy in a relationship as well—the longer you put sex off, the sweeter it is when consummated.”

- So true. I try to live by a philosophy of applying knowledge about one subject to all subjects, and it really does help you to discover more about yourself. I was happy to see you briefly touched base on something similar! Great article.