In 1972, Walter Mishel conducted an experiment with a large group of four and five-year-old children. Each child was given a binary choice to either eat a marshmallow or wait fifteen minutes and receive a second marshmallow. Follow-up studies on delayed gratification discovered the minority of children who held out for a second marshmallow went on to enjoy better outcomes in life, to include better social skills, higher test scores, and healthier bodies.

 

     Long before Walter Mishel’s experiment, King Solomon characterized the discipline of delayed gratification as having greater worth−−like that of owning a common household pet−−against the possibility of possessing an exotic but potentially deceased creature, whose only value is that of a fur rug. Put differently, this ancient parable is another way of saying that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

     

     The ancient philosopher, Epicurus of Samos, identified happiness with the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. According to Epicurus, pleasure often arises from the satisfaction of desire. Therefore all desire can be gratified by either yielding to pleasure or eliminating pain.

   

     However, what if I have an allergy to gluten products? Making the decision not to eat any marshmallows would be smart move to avoid pain. In such instances, the denial of pleasure is the best course of action.

   

     There is another drawback to Epicurus’ take on immediate gratification. Being oriented exclusively toward some future reward often detracts us from grasping the opportunities giving in the moment. Focusing on what we don’t have can blind us to the good things we do have in our possession. Centering our attention on the things we are lacking often leads to the fear of insecurity. By contrast, enjoying the gifts we already have been given leads to feelings of gratitude and appreciation.

 

     Even more, gratitude is good medicine for the body and soul. Gratitude has been linked to increase levels of satisfaction and energy, better sleep and health, not to mention less stress and sadness. You seldom will catch a grateful person wearing a frown of discontent.

 

     So, if your thing is hanging with a prancing puppy, be encouraged. It sure beats the alternative of continually vacuuming the hide of an old, smelly lion.