Delayed gratification is a term that is often discussed these days. Is delayed gratification really that influential in success or is it actually torturing yourself because of unfulfilled satisfaction? Let’s look at it thoroughly!

Basically, delayed gratification is the ability to postpone short-term pleasure in favor of greater results in the future. For example, a woman who refrains from eating a lot because of a diet program in order to get ideal body satisfaction later. Researchers say that people who have the ability to delay gratification are proven to have better life performance in the future from academics and finances.

Why is Delayed Gratification Important?

1. Makes you more financially disciplined

Delayed gratification helps you practice self-control in spending. By understanding that not all desires must be fulfilled right now, you can start to identify which ones are really needs and which ones are just momentary desires.

For example, you need work shoes because your old ones are broken (needs), but you are also interested in new shoes that are on sale even though they have the same function (wants).

If you have the ability to delay gratification, you will choose shoes that you really need and the rest you can divert to savings or investment. This is the beginning of sustainable financial discipline.

2. Encourages Long-Term Financial Goals

Putting off the fun now doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life, but you’re directing your energy and money towards bigger things in the future.

Do you want a house, a retirement fund, or an emergency fund? All of that takes time, planning, and most importantly: consistency in setting aside money regularly.

People who can delay buying luxury items or impulsive vacations are more likely to achieve their long-term goals because they are less tempted by instant gratification. Delayed gratification is the bridge between financial dreams and realization.

3. Mental Training to Resist Temptation in the Instant Era

Who would have thought that delayed gratification can train your mentality in the midst of an instant era. The ability to say “not now” in the midst of the swift flow of consumption is a form of extraordinary mental strength.

By applying delayed gratification, you are training your brain not to be reactive to momentary desires. This is not only good for your wallet, but also for your mental health because you will not feel stressed because of regret after shopping.

How to Apply Delayed Gratification in Finance

1. Save before buying something

In this digital era, massive promos, flash sales, and easy pay later installments can make us impulsive. Even things that we don’t really need feel like a “must buy now”. This is a trap that can be detrimental to our financial health. Delaying gratification teaches us to pause and rethink:

“Do I need this item? Can I buy it later after saving up first?”

2. Distinguish between Needs and Wants

One of the important keys to delayed gratification is the ability to distinguish between what you really need and what you just want.

For example, you really need shoes for work, but do you have to buy the latest model at an exorbitant price? Or just buy something comfortable and functional?

By learning to refrain from indulging all your desires, you become wiser in spending your money. It also builds healthy financial habits: focusing on priorities and the long term, not momentary pleasures.

3. Digital Gold Investment

Investing in digital gold during the delayed gratification process will help you level up your satisfaction later. Instead of spending something that is not too important, you can allocate the funds to investment.

Here you learn to delay pleasure now for greater results in the future. For example, instead of immediately spending your salary bonus on consumptive items, you can allocate some of it to digital gold.

Now, if you are ready to practice delayed gratification, digital gold investment can be the right first step. Because digital gold investment is minimal risk, stable and durable. Moreover, with digital gold, you can have gold only in the palm of your hand without the need to keep the physical gold.

Through the Treasury application, you can start investing in gold with a very affordable, practical and safe nominal directly from your cellphone. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start investing in gold as your first step to start delayed gratification.