Everyone knows that delayed gratification is important to living a fulfilling life.

But all delayed gratification is not created equal.

Level one - easy: it’s a short delay and we have high confidence in the actions we need to take e.g. exercise in the morning to feel good for the day.

Level two - moderate: it’s a long delay but we have high confidence in the actions we need to take because we have past experience e.g. eating healthfully to lose weight.

Level three - hard: it’s a long delay and we have low confidence in the actions we need to take because we have no past experience e.g. meditation to become peaceful.

The funny thing is, in my experience it is the hardest delayed gratification that leads to the biggest gains, because it’s introducing something new into your life.

I’ve been meditating now for six months consistently. Combined with reading The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer, it’s been transformational for me. I’m happier and more at peace that I’ve ever been.

Level three is hard, it takes faith, but it’s worth it.