August 25 2025 Why Your Brain Craves Quick Rewards (And How to Work With It)
“The surest sign of an adult is the ability to accept delayed gratification.”
― Tommy Tomlinson
Listen to audio, or read this meditation:
Picture this: You want to save money for a fun trip. But then you see a really cool shirt online. You know you should work out. But your favorite TV show just started a new season. You want to eat good food. But ordering pizza is so easy.
Does this sound like you? Welcome to the "I want it now" battle!
Want to Know What's Going On With Your Brain?
Your brain is like a little kid who wants treats right now. It doesn't want to wait for anything good. A long time ago, people had to find food to stay alive. If they saw food, they ate it fast. They didn't know when they would eat again. This helped people live back then.
But now we have food everywhere. We have phones that beep at us. We can buy things with just one click. Our brains still act like that little kid who wants everything now.
Every time you get a text, buy something, or eat fast food, your brain gets happy. It's like getting a gold star! Your brain loves these quick happy feelings.
Here’s The Problem With "Right Now" Thinking:
Getting everything right now is like eating only candy for every meal. It tastes good when you eat it. But then you feel sick and want more candy.
The really good things in life take time. Just like how the best meals take time to cook.
Here’s the Best Way to Work With Your Brain:
Don't try to fight your brain. That's like trying to hold your breath for a whole day. You can't do it forever. Instead, be smart about it. Work with your brain, not against it.
Here's how: Celebrate the small stuff. Did you save five dollars today? Do a happy dance! Did you eat an apple instead of chips? Give yourself a high-five! Did you walk for just ten minutes? That's awesome!
We’ve got to make big goals feel close. Don't think "I want to lose weight someday." Think "I want to feel good today." Don't think "I'll save money later." Think "I'm getting smarter with money right now."
The best people aren't super strong. They just learned to feel good about the steps they take, not just the finish line.
Here’s Something You Can Do Today:
Pick one big goal you have. Now think of three small things you can do every day to reach that goal.
Every time you do one of these small things, give yourself a reward right away. Dance around your room. Put a check mark on paper. Tell yourself "I did great!"
Your brain needs these little parties to keep going toward the big prize!
Remember: You're not fighting against your brain. You're working together to make good things happen!
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