THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Delayed Gratification: A Gift To My Future Self

Most of us have heard of the famous Marshmallow Study, which demonstrated that children who could delay gratification by waiting for a second marshmallow, rather than consuming the first one immediately, tended to have more successful outcomes later in life.

This study underscores the concept that delayed gratification is key to success in every aspect of our lives.

If all we do is gift our future selves with the actions today that will bring the rewards and results we want tomorrow, success will inevitably follow.

For example, this week, after a long workday, followed by family responsibilities such as hockey, dentist appointments, etc., I took the last hour of my day to get the coffee ready and clean and stage my house so it looks like no one actually lives here! With two golden retrievers, two teenagers, and a husband, that is no small feat. Despite being tired, I do this simply so I can wake up extra early, hit a button for hot coffee, and enjoy a moment of quiet and peace in a fully staged, peaceful home.

It is a gift I give to my future self, and every morning, I thank my past self for always going above and beyond to make my days better. “Thanks Susie for always thinking of me!” I will sometimes even whisper to myself. This is what it means to champion and care for ourselves.

What gift do you routinely give to your future self?

About the Author

Susanne Biro is a coach to C-suite and executive level leaders. She is the founder of Inner Life Leadership, an app for business professionals who want to reach an unprecedented level of personal understanding and corresponding leadership (and life) success. Susanne is an author, executive development program designer, facilitator, Forbes & CEO Magazine contributing writer, and a TEDx and keynote speaker.

For over two decades, Susanne has worked internationally with senior-level leaders in some of the world’s best companies. Whether coaching one-on-one or authoring, designing, and delivering leadership programs, her passion is the same: to help leaders reach their next level.

Susanne can be reached at 604.864.5408 or via email at susanne@susannebiro.com

 

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Our world has changed, rapidly and in unexpected ways. As the crisis hit, I offered and held pro bono sessions with leaders from around the world. And I want to continue to do what I can to help. As a result, I now offer hourly sessions to ensure leaders everywhere can quickly get the perspective, clarity and focus they need to lead themselves, and therefore others, well during these challenging and uncertain times.

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