Instant Gratification (IG) Please!

IG has gotten a bad rap.  We tend to associate it with living a hedonistic, overspending, self-indulgent lifestyle.  And there is a connection in many cases.   

 But consider this:  based on some recent research, every year millions of dollars in gift cards, frequent flier miles, not to mention beautiful china and unburned candles go to waste because we’re waiting for the “perfect” moment or opportunity or the best deal to come along.  We don’t want to “waste” it on something frivolous and we end up wasting it anyway by failing to use it. 

But what if the perfect opportunity and best deal is now?  Many times I’ve written about the importance of acting and living in the “now” because it really is the only time we have.  This week, I invite you to look at what gift you could give yourself (or someone else) that you’ve been delaying, in wait for a better time or moment.

• Use the gift card you received for Christmas, Mother's Day, a birthday or some other special occasion;
• Schedule the massage, manicure, pedicure or facial before you really "need" it;
• Plan the trip and use those frequent flier miles (airlines are changing the rules and you may discover too late, you needed to use them or lose them);
• Get out the good china for a casual dinner with family or friends;
• Light the candles you've kept in the cupboard for a special event;
• Make the dessert you save for "important" occasions;
• Gift the gift or the compliment "just because" without waiting for the perfect gift-giving occasion;
• Buy the useful tool, beautiful artwork or upgrade a necessary piece of equipment.  If it adds beauty or functionality it will pay for itself many times over!

I’m not talking here about going into further debt or satisfying every whim for a new gadget or shiny object just for the sake of distracting yourself.  I’m talking about using what you’ve already earned or been given.  I’m talking about making the conscious choice to live today rather than waiting for some future moment of perfection to arrive.  I’m talking about the joy of making this present a gift to yourself and others.

Many years ago I coached a woman who had to clean out an aunt and uncle’s home after they had passed away.  To her dismay she found every gift she had ever sent them still unwrapped, unused and “unenjoyed” in their home.  What a sad commentary on delayed gratification.

Thomas Leonard, truly a founding father of the modern coaching profession, used to advise clients and coaches to “perfect the present.”  His message was clear:  Stop waiting for some future moment to make you happy, bring you joy or reward yourself.  The moment is now, and I guarantee you have at least one perfect gift waiting to be unwrapped.  Now go grab yourself a cup of instant gratification!!