It is always good to consider the long term results. As I was finishing a project last week I was considering this. Yes, it was a large project and there were other more-fun things that I could be doing, but in the long run I was glad to almost have a project complete.
This goes against the typical modern instant gratification inclinations. The world would seem to encourage you to choose the easier or faster route versus encouraging you to consider long term results.
Instant Gratification
How gratifying is instant gratification? Initially, I would think relatively so or it wouldn’t be called instant gratification. But in the long run, will it be worth it?
What is instant gratification? Basically it is the opposite of self discipline. Self discipline says to deny yourself and work toward bigger things. Instant gratification more seems to say if it seems good now, go for it. Consider the long term consequences later.
But it is so important to consider the long term consequences now. Ponder if in the long run you will be happy with the decision you make in the moment. Always, always think ahead.
Does this honor God, does this decision bless others, would this represent Christianity well, etc, are all good things to consider. In the long run, it is better to deny yourself and practice a bit of self discipline rather than enjoy instant gratification and pay a high price later!
Long Term Results
I believe it is prudent to live as if you’re always being watched.
I’ll add two disclaimers to this statement: 1) I don’t really think any of us are being watched by others all the time, people are far too wrapped up in their own lives to pay that much attention to you, and 2) Technically, we are being watched all the time by God. He sees and knows all things. There are no secrets from Him.
Returning to the above statement, I rather think if we live as if we are being watched, we’ll be more careful in our decision making. We will determine to be a better example and set a higher standard. Knowing that someone might be watching, we’ll be more selective in our choices and better remember that actions have consequences.
People see and hear you at the most unlikely times. Not that anyone ever pays you that much mind, but it often surprises me what another will tell me they witnessed me doing or saying. Mostly I’ll just think, wow, I had no idea anyone was paying me any mind at the moment. This has taught me to do my best to act as if someone is always watching because you really never know when they are.
In The Long Run
Self discipline is one of the best things you will ever learn. It isn’t something you develop overnight but rather something you will fine tune and work on for the rest of your life. But the places you will go and the skills you will develop as a result will make it more than worth it!
Life is filled with choices and this is an important one to make! In the long run, you will be glad you did!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2021/05/05/life-is-a-journey/