Tag: gratification

The fire of gratification

Posted on by philipdodson

The fire of gratification once lit is always hungry for more things to burn.

It’s a fire of addictions, not just drugs, alcohol, food, downloads, social media, but many more. There are many addictions in our world, all giving that instant hit of gratification. It is a short-term burn, a short-lived buzz, shallow and unfulfilling.

We will look back on our current times and reflect that the progress we thought ‘instant everything’ was, was not in fact progress, it was a regression. Having everything just a click away has removed the joy that slowly building something of meaning brings to us.

Deep versus shallow.

We need a to put out the fire of gratification and search for a slower burn, one that brings joy longer term.

Controlling ourselves

Posted on by philipdodson

Controlling ourselves is hard.

It means overcoming demons, it means creating new pathways in the brain, new habits, it means being intentional about change.

It requires us to resist the now, resist the instant gratification fix, it means having patience with ourselves. Giving ourselves enough space, time, kindness and compassion to be able to build the new habit.

There is no shortcut, it just takes the small steps, day after day and being kind to ourselves when we react without control.

We could imagine a big stop button in our heads and each time we feel the short term reaction come then press the imaginary button.

Maybe over time, this will help us have more control in our life.

It’s a journey worth taking as being in control of the only thing we can actually control has a massive impact on our joy, happiness and well-being for the long term.

It also has a massive impact for those who matter in your life too.