Our Mind Battles Itself - Short Term Vs Long Term

You are on a diet and still make up your mind to go for a pizza. Just being easy on yourself, right? Has it occurred to you in the past that you are feeling, your mind is juggling between instant gratification desire and your long term objectives?

It is scientifically proven that we have two areas in our brain that appear to compete for control over behavior when we attempt to balance near-term rewards with far-term goals. For instance, you are saving money for your retirement, suddenly, one day you found out that a new model car is in the market with just 5% down payment, it is luring and tempting, you really want it so badly and you go for it. In this case, the part of the brain which controls your short- term interests over powered and won the battle.

Harvard psychology professor Daniel Gilbert argues that humans are exquisitely adapted to respond to immediate problems, such as terrorism, but not so good at more probable, but distant dangers, like global warming. Furthermore, the human motivation system works better if it values what it’s doing right now, rather than some future payoff. Having said that, to get what we want in life, it is important to fore-think and take action. So now that we have identified this challenge, we understand it's impact, we need to work on it. Here are some simple tips that will help you next time when you are in dilemma:

1. Be optimistic, but evaluate all possible outcomes- For every action, there will be first order consequences and there might be second order and third order consequences, evaluating all outcomes gives you enough information to make an informed choice
2. Give it some time, do not make rash decisions- Some cooling period will definitely help. Meanwhile count 1 to 10 and backwards, so that you can re-focus
3. Focus on long term gains- Be it maintaining a healthy routine or saving money, everything you do will have long term implications. Thinking about the benefits, that will give you reasons to choose long term alternative over the short term one
4. Train your mind on self discipline and will power- Start with small tasks, practice it and cultivate good habits
5. 5. Be clear with what you want : This one is tough and it is easy to say, but hard to do. Think about your values, develop your character and be consistent with what you do. Write your goals and plans on a piece of paper and read it often. Eventually you will get there! Your goals may change in future, but your values and character will remain and support you in your long journey.

The best part of having long term goals is "You can start with the end in mind", so that you can work backwards. You can develop a road map, plan well, execute and bring results. Enjoy the journey, celebrate every milestone success and make it count!

Elon Musk, Steve Jobs & Jeff Bezos are some of the leaders who focused on long term goals and led their teams to great success. Think long term, move out of your comfort zone and start working towards bigger and better things in life!

Wish you the very best!

Cheers!

Jaya