“Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with.”
The Road Less Traveled
by Scott Peck
Recently, I read a book on character development by Bill Hybels, “Who you are when no one’s looking.” A chapter I found very interesting was on the character trait, discipline. Discipline is described as the ability to delay immediate gratification. Delaying immediate gratification is focusing on the principle of working first and playing when the work is completed. The essential ingredient to practicing discipline is advance decision making. This is setting up in advance how you are going to practice discipline in all your affairs. The last component to ensure in advance how you are going to practice discipline, is accountability. Accountability is inviting significant others in your life to help you stay on track based upon your decisions. The prize of putting this formula into action in your life could be priceless.
Will you choose to implement the art of discipline?
Sincerely, Kevin Polky, LCSW, CADC