How Long Will You Pursue Success?

💭 Welcome to Thoughtful Threads:

This week, we're exploring the rhythms of effort and reward, and the often-delayed gratification that comes with chasing our dreams.

📰 Agenda for this week's newsletter:

• Introduction to the topic of delayed rewards

• A deep dive into the science and history behind perseverance and payoff

• Engaging questions to challenge your perspective on patience and progress

• Invitation for feedback and a fun quote to inspire your week

💡 Topic Introduction:

Ever felt like your efforts are going unnoticed or unrewarded? You're not alone. The path to achieving our goals is rarely a straight line.

🔎 Deep Dive into the Topic:

In the world of instant gratification, the reality is that meaningful achievements often require long-term dedication. According to research in the field of psychology, perseverance and the ability to delay gratification are strong predictors of long-term success. For example, the famous "Marshmallow Test" conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s by psychologist Walter Mischel found that children who could delay gratification for a longer period of time tended to have better life outcomes in terms of SAT scores, educational attainment, body mass index, and other life measures.

⌛ Historical Example: Consider the story of Vincent van Gogh, who sold only one painting during his lifetime, despite the profound body of work he created. His success, unbeknownst to him, came years after his death, illustrating that sometimes the fruits of our labors are not always ripe for picking immediately but require time to mature.

✨ Engagement:

• When have you experienced a significant delay between your efforts and their rewards?

• How do you handle periods of uncertainty when results aren’t immediately visible?

• Reflect on a time when persistence paid off for you. What kept you going?

Understanding your responses can shed light on your capacity for resilience and your approach to challenges. Those who persevere despite delayed outcomes often develop stronger problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.

🧪Delayed Gratification Self-Assessment

Instructions: Read each scenario below and choose the option that you are most likely to follow. Try to be as honest as possible about your natural inclination. After you've made your choices, tally up your points according to the scoring system provided at the end.

Scenario 1: Bonus at Work

Your boss offers you a choice: receive a $500 bonus now or a $1,000 bonus if you complete a challenging project successfully in six months.

• A) Take the $500 now.

• B) Take on the challenge for the $1,000 bonus.

Scenario 2: Saving for a Vacation

You're planning a dream vacation and have started saving money. You see a new gadget you really want but don't necessarily need.

• A) Buy the gadget using some of your vacation funds.

• B) Keep saving for the vacation, skipping the gadget.

Scenario 3: Fitness Goals

You've set a goal to get in better shape this year. A friend invites you to a high-calorie meal at your favorite restaurant.

• A) Go to the restaurant and enjoy the meal, putting your diet on pause.

• B) Politely decline or choose a healthier option at the restaurant.

Scenario 4: Investment Opportunity

You have some extra money to invest. You can either invest in a stock that might yield quick returns but is risky, or in a stable fund with lower but more reliable long-term growth.

• A) Invest in the quick, risky stock.

• B) Invest in the stable, long-term fund.

Scenario 5: Professional Development

You are offered two job options. One is a more exciting, high-stress job with higher pay now. The other is less exciting but offers significant career growth opportunities and potential future earnings.

• A) Take the high-stress, high-pay job now.

• B) Take the job with better long-term growth opportunities.

Scoring:

• For every A answer, score 1 point.

• For every B answer, score 2 points.

Results:

• 5-6 Points: You tend to prefer immediate gratification. You might find it challenging to wait for larger rewards.

• 7-8 Points: You're somewhat balanced, but there might be situations where immediate rewards are more tempting.

• 9-10 Points: You have a strong ability to delay gratification. You're likely to make choices that benefit you in the long run.

To Kick Off Your Week:

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." — Samuel Johnson

Stay persistent, and remember that the value of your work often multiplies over time!

Warm regards,

Thoughtful Threads 💭