Delayed Gratification.

That’s the topic for today. Simple, plain, and straight to the point. In my opinion, it’s self-explanatory, but then again, that’s just how I think. For those who may be unfamiliar, I’ll break it down. I’ll keep this short, sweet, and to the point.

Delayed gratification is a key to success. It’s a simple act. There are many ideas and definitions surrounding the phrase ‘delayed gratification.’ It seems to be the hot topic of motivational speakers today. They all have their different versions of what it is.

Delayed Gratification: The OGM Definition

For us OGMs, it’s simple but very contextual.

“Delayed gratification is not getting what you want NOW because it puts you behind or at a deficit when it comes to getting what you want most.”

That’s very different from delaying a reward now in place of a bigger reward later. That doesn’t always work out in our best interest. There needs to be context. Ever heard the saying about a bird in hand and its worth compared to the two others in the bush? Sometimes the two in the bush are for sure worth more. That’s an example where delayed gratification comes into play.

When Delayed Gratification Works in Your Favor

Let’s say you have an extra $5,000 sitting in your account. You’ve been eyeing that new luxury watch, something sleek that’ll have people talking. But instead of dropping that cash on the watch, you decide to invest it in your side hustle—building your brand, developing a new skill, or putting it into an income-generating asset. Fast forward a year or two, and that investment has grown, opening doors for even greater opportunities. Now, instead of just the watch, you’ve built something sustainable that can afford you many watches, and more importantly, financial stability. That’s delayed gratification working in your favor—choosing long-term elevation over short-term validation.

When Delayed Gratification Doesn’t Work in Your Favor

Now, let’s flip the script. You’ve been working nonstop, grinding hard, pushing through exhaustion. You tell yourself, “I’ll rest later. I’ll take care of my health later.” But later never comes. You keep delaying what your body and mind need until burnout hits. Now, you’re forced to take time off—maybe even longer than you would have if you had prioritized rest in the first place. In this case, delaying gratification—the idea of ‘pushing through’ at all costs—works against you. It costs you more than what you were trying to gain.

The Key: Discernment

Delayed gratification isn’t just about waiting—it’s about knowing when waiting is the right move. The key for us OGMs is to recognize when holding off today puts us ahead tomorrow and when delaying something now actually puts us at a disadvantage later. Make the wise decision. Think big picture. Play smart. And most importantly, always make sure delayed gratification is working for you, not against you.

Stay sharp, stay focused, and stay winning.