I believe life is meant to be experienced and that you are here to make memories. Because at the end of the day, memories last and they make great stories.

Short-term pleasure is not often what is most profitable in the long-term. Usually it is easier to give in to the easy thing and have the instant gratification and chemical discharges that makes it feel good. This is what I call the Ultimate Challenge of Human Nature.

We often choose the path of least resistance, meaning we choose and do the things that are the easiest and avoid what is difficult or requires effort.  This has some evolutionary advantages, because it keeps us safe. We keep going back to the same seat in class, because we’ve been there before, we know what it’s like. We take the same path to go from A to B, because that path is sure and tested.

But often, short-term rewards keeps us from achieving our goals, and sabotages our work. Like checking social media or email, instead of working. While delayed gratification is beneficial in the long-term. Passing over distractions to get our important stuff done.

Here’s a good question to answer when faced with a choice between instant gratification and delayed gratification:

Would you rather be satisfied right now, and not remember this in a week, or, would you rather have to work for it, wait for it, anticipate it, experience it, have a vivid memory of the best parts and remember it for the rest of your life?

Which one is easiest? The first.

Which one feels good in the short term? The first.

Which one is more demanding and potentially painful in the short-term? The second.

Which one do you remember? The second.

Were you put on this Earth to have it easy all the time? Is life supposed to be a smooth ride?

So what will it be? Working on your goals and making memories or instant gratification and no memories?