Anyone who is pursuing a goal that requires extended effort has probably used the term “delayed gratification” to justify their masochistic workaholic tendencies. I used it myself during my early premed days at a rigorous university. But this term has begun to erk me. On those nights when I lay in my bed, wondering what I would regret about my life if I had one more day to live, “delaying gratification” leaves a knot of regret in my stomach.
So instead, I have acquired a new life philosophy that could help others in a similar situation: pursue gratification in moderation. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself at the right moments. Nothing wrong with enjoying quality time with friends, taking a spontaneous trip to some random place, eating that delicious ice cream in the fridge. But the key is to indulge moderately. Indulge as a treat. Indulge when you need a bit of self care. When you feel burnt out and apathetic. There are few (arguably no) super-humans out there. We mortals all need some time to chill. Some time to simply be. And be okay with just being.
The idea of delayed gratification is especially prevalent in premeds and medical students. We’re literally delaying when we start earning an income, while our consulting and computer science friends flock off to earn 6 figures fresh out of college. We’re sacrificing “fun time,” vacations, weddings for the MCAT, Step 1, busy med schedule, that prestigious internship that starts right before a friend’s wedding (can you tell that this is a personal anecdote? lol). But amidst the sacrifice, there is time to gratify ourselves. In fact, I argue that we need to self-gratify. We need a way to sustain this lifestyle that we have chosen. To tell ourselves job well done. You may now be a full human.
So if you’re one of those busy bees who keeps putting off “fun plans,” I challenge you to STOP delaying gratification. Instead, gratify yourself. Be grateful for what the world has to offer at this very moment. Relish those gratifying, care-free moments. Those bursts of pure joy. Feed your senses. In this fast-paced, go-go-go world, we all could use some gratification.
Art of Medicine 