Delayed gratification is the act of postponing a reward or satisfaction. Research has shown that successful people have the ability to delay short-term reward for long-term gain.

Professor Walter Mischel from Columbia University conducted experiments to assess the ability of four-year-old children to delay gratification. Children were given one marshmallow and told that they would get an additional one if they did not eat it within 15 minutes. Tracer studies, conducted later on, showed that those children who were able to delay gratification were more successful in school, business and life.

Indeed, self-discipline and an ability to wait are vitally important qualities that determine long-term success in both our business and personal lives. Saving money, university studies, sacrifices at work and in the family ? these are all examples of delayed gratification. The greatest leaders, strategists and businessmen had this quality ? they have all been able to sacrifice short-term pleasures for long-term goals. Nelson Mandela, Warren Buffet and Mahatma Gandhi are some great examples from recent times.

Let your greatest gratification be delayed gratification. Awaken your potential knowing that the power of delayed gratification is within you.

Affirmation: I control my desires

"He (or she) that can have patience can have what he (or she) will." ? Benjamin Franklin