The desire to feel satisfied by acquiring more or achieving more is normal. It’s part of who we are.
However, we must learn how to differentiate between what’s beneficial and what’s detrimental.
What’s not beneficial is the need to immediately give in to our desires for more.
Take Netflix, for example. It’s designed to serve the need to watch a whole 10-hour series in one sitting.
The access to credit is also another symptom of this culture. Institutions drag down downpayment rates and first year interests just enough to entice us to bite at a 5 year car loan.
The spike in deliveries on non-peak hours is another. We see an ad (usually it’s sweet), sees a delivery option despite feeling rather full, and immediately opts to have one delivered.
The thing is, there is always a benefit in waiting an hour more, a week more and even a year more. We don’t have to get it NOW.
This habit matters not only on the big purchases but actually starts on the tiny purchases.
Make it a habit to delay gratification.