Stay away from instant gratification.
Imagine waking up every day with two choices before you.
You can either invest your time and effort in working on yourself, steadily building the life you've envisioned.
OR
You can opt to take the easy route, indulging in instant pleasures that surround you, only to be left with regret and sorrow later in life.
Most people would claim, "I'll choose the first option," yet often find themselves picking the latter.
Why? Why subject yourself to this cycle when a fulfilling and happy life is within reach?
Instant pleasures trigger the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This chemical is pivotal in creating feelings of joy and happiness.
Engaging in activities solely for the sake of instant gratification causes a surge in dopamine levels. However, dopamine released without any meaningful effort doesn't lead to lasting happiness. It might provide temporary satisfaction, but it's short-lived.
It's like receiving a medal without participating in a competition - ultimately meaningless.
To maintain a stable and content state, a certain baseline level of dopamine is required. Thus, engaging in activities that provide instant pleasure causes dopamine to spike, briefly tricking you into feeling "fulfilled." But what follows is a drop below your baseline, eventually lowering your baseline levels. This leaves you feeling unmotivated and deprived as long as you continue these indulgences.
However, there's a remedy: distance yourself from these activities. Choose abstinence. Go cold turkey.
Over a few weeks, your dopamine levels will normalize as you break free from these patterns.
It's crucial to acknowledge that these habits aren't healthy and commit to avoiding them in the future.
Five words for the day
1. Doozy
refers to something extraordinary, remarkable, or outstanding, often in a surprising or unexpected way. It's often used to describe something that is unusual, exceptional, or challenging.
"The movie's plot twist was a real doozy, leaving the audience in awe."
Pronunciation: /ˈduːzi/
2. Iteration
refers to the act or process of repeating a set of instructions, operations, or steps in order to achieve a desired outcome. It often involves a cycle of repetition with the goal of improving or refining the result.
"The software developers used iteration to fine-tune the program's performance, testing and making changes multiple times."
Pronunciation: /ˌɪtəˈreɪʃən/
3. Ominous
describes something that gives a sense of foreboding, indicating that something negative or unpleasant might happen in the future. It often refers to a feeling of impending danger or an event that seems to be a sign of trouble.
"The dark clouds and thunder rumbling in the distance created an ominous atmosphere, making everyone feel uneasy."
Pronunciation: /ˈɒmɪnəs/
4. Gait
refers to a person's manner or style of walking, including their pattern of movement, posture, and speed. It can also describe the particular way an animal moves.
"Her gait was graceful and fluid, like that of a dancer."
Pronunciation: /ɡeɪt/
5. Morale
refers to the mental or emotional state of a group or individual in relation to their confidence, enthusiasm, and overall well-being, especially in the context of facing challenges or difficulties.
"The team's morale was boosted after winning the championship, and they approached the next season with renewed determination."
Pronunciation: /məˈræl/