The successful among us delay gratification. The successful among us bargain with the future.

The quote “The successful among us delay gratification. The successful among us bargain with the future” is a strong statement about the nature of success and the behaviors that lead to it. It suggests that success is not achieved by seeking immediate satisfaction but by postponing immediate pleasure for future gains.

Delaying gratification refers to the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward. It’s like choosing to save money for a larger purchase in the future, instead of spending it on smaller, immediate pleasures. This requires self-control, discipline, and a vision for the future, qualities often found in successful individuals.

“Bargaining with the future” is a metaphorical way of saying that successful people make sacrifices in the present to ensure better outcomes in the future. They invest their time, energy, and resources today, in the hope and expectation that these investments will pay off down the line.

Applying this idea in today’s world or in personal development could look like choosing to study for a degree or undertake a challenging project that will take a lot of time and effort, instead of settling for a less demanding, but also less rewarding, path. It could mean taking care of one’s physical health today, by eating well and exercising, to prevent illnesses in the future. It could also mean investing money wisely, or developing useful skills that might not pay off immediately, but will likely be valuable later.

This concept is not about denying oneself of all pleasures or living a Spartan life. It’s about making choices with a long-term perspective, understanding that the best outcomes often require patience, effort, and the ability to resist instant gratification. It’s about realizing that the future is, in many ways, a result of the decisions and actions we take today.