Instant gratification meets delayed gratification
What is this, a crossover episode?
We all crave gratification. Whether it stems from a desire or a goal, the feel-good hormones released after you feel a sense of fulfillment remains unmatched. While there are a lot of ways to get a dose of gratification, they can typically be classified into two groups — instant gratification and delayed gratification.
So, what if we attach personas to instant and delayed gratifications? How would that conversation look like? Well, I’m glad you asked.
With that said, here’s how I envision the conversation would go:
IG: Hi, I’m Instant Gratification! I give people what they deserve and treat them right!
DG: Hello there, IG! I’m Delayed Gratification! I give people what they deserve and treat them right if they’re disciplined enough to prove their dedication and commitment.
IG: Why are you hard on people? They deserve all the happiness in the world, don’t you think? 🥹
DG: Yes, I do, which is why I think it’s important for happiness to be sustainable, unlike your approach. Life is a marathon and not a sprint! How do you expect people to have sustained results?
IG: Well, I don’t. You see, you never know how long you’ll live. Might as well live every day like it’s the last one you live, right? Carpe diem, baby!
DG: IG, I’m not sure if I’m a huge fan of your attitude and lack of vision and planning for the future. While I do agree that living in the present is important, I think being careless about the future is a recipe for disaster.
IG: Guess that makes two of us. I’m not interested to continue this conversation. Off you go, resume watering your plants for “hobby” or going for a run for “good health”.
DG: Good luck, IG. I hope you find satisfaction doomscrolling through the night or eating junk food. I’m glad we had this conversation, it’s good to understand opposing views at times.
IG: yawns Yeah, right!
Moral? 🐣
So, what do we learn here?
As with most things in life, finding the right balance between IG and DG is key. And what is the right balance, you ask? Well, it depends. There are multiple variables involved and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to choose one over the other.
Sure, choosing DG might pay off in the long run, but if it comes at the cost of missing out on all the fun that IG has to offer, is it worth it? That’s a decision one has to make.
Sidenote: While reading these conversations, how did you visualize DG and IG? Personally, I envisioned IG as a teenager and DG as someone in their late 30s. How about you? And which side are you on? Let me know in the comments!
Treat Corner 😋
This Gramophone Classics Spotify playlist has “POV: Your neighbor is playing Bollywood classics on a cloudy Friday eve” energy when you play it at 35% volume. Check it out!
⚠️ Succession Season 4 Episode 3 Spoilers Ahead!
You know a show is legendary when a legit media publication puts out an obituary for a fictional character. 🫡 More on that here.
Until next time! Hearts if you liked it, subs if you loved it!
Delayed regards,
Subin
IG - Subin when he is happy and outgoing
DG - Subin when he thinks himself as a Project Manager