The Instant Gratification Mindset: how it affects our work and productivity

This month’s topic: Instant Gratification

Instant gratification can change our brains and lead to destructive financial, social, and health outcomes. But it can also mean more can get done in less time, leading to more productivity…is that good or bad? Ask your body and your mind…is it making you more or less stressed, successful, and/or healthy? Depends on how you use it!

The Instant Gratification Mindset: how it affects our work and productivity

Recently, while going through some of my old military documents, I happened upon several letters written between me and my wife, then-girlfriend. As I reviewed the dates on these letters, I observed that they were about 2 weeks apart and one letter was answering questions posed by the other letter. These letters dated over 20 years ago, and I found it very amusing that it took about 2 weeks to get an answer to a question when we now have instant messaging and can communicate with each other instantly no matter where we are in the world.

Technology has changed so much in the past 20 years, and it is impressive how much quicker we can communicate with each other now. It is really a shame that we don't take the time to sit down and write letters to each other anymore because it is a really nice way to communicate and express your thoughts and feelings. With all the new technology, we have lost something special. This got me thinking about the power of now and how instant gratification has changed the way we live and operate. What is instant gratification and how has it has changed the way we live and operate?

The term "instant gratification" is something that I hear quite often in the workplace among the older generation. It is usually used negatively to shed light on a situation involving someone in their 20s or younger. Instant gratification is often seen as a negative trait because it is associated with impatience and a lack of self-control. However, I believe that instant gratification can also be viewed as a positive trait. After all, what is wrong with wanting things to happen immediately? With the constant and immediate flow of information available today, we have access to a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. Granted, this can sometimes be overwhelming, but it also means that we can find answers to our questions more quickly than ever before. We live in a world where we can order food online and have it delivered to our door in under an hour. We can stream movies and TV shows whenever we want. And we can get our work done from anywhere with an internet connection. Instant gratification doesn't always mean getting what we want right away - it can also mean being able to accomplish our goals more quickly and efficiently. In a fast-paced world, instant gratification can be a valuable tool.

           Instant gratification has become the norm in our society, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I believe that instant gratification can be a good thing. It can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction because we are getting what we want right away. So, the next time you hear someone being criticized for wanting things to happen immediately, remember that there is nothing wrong with that. Instant gratification is not a bad thing, or is it?

On the other hand, instant gratification can have long-term negative consequences. That's why it's important to be aware of your own Instant Gratification Tendency (IGT). The IGT is a measure of how likely you are to seek immediate pleasure even when it may not be in your best interest. If you have a high IGT, you may want to consider ways to curb your impulse for instant gratification. One approach is to delay gratification by setting yourself a goal and then working towards it over time. This can help you develop patience and self-control while still allowing you to enjoy life's pleasures in moderation.

So, in a world where Instant Gratification is the norm, what should be the acceptable standard? The answer to that question is more puzzling that the question itself. The debate over instant gratification is one that has been around for centuries. On the one hand, there are those who believe that instant gratification is a good thing. After all, it can lead to a sense of satisfaction and contentment. And in many cases, it can be a more efficient way to achieve a goal. On the other hand, there are those who believe that instant gratification is a negative thing. They argue that it can lead to short-sighted decision-making and a lack of self-control. Ultimately, the choice between instant gratification and delayed gratification is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. What matters most is that you make the choice that is best for you.

Written by: Keshawn Cupid

Keshawn is the CEO of Modern Kaizen LLC, an accredited Lean Six Sigma & Professional Leadership Development training organization based in Southern California. www.modernkaizen.com