The Psychology Behind Instant Gratification

We want new stuff and we want it now. The possessions we buy often make us happy, at least for a little while (hello, dopamine!). But before we know it, today's 'it' item becomes tomorrow's clutter.

On today's show we are examining the psychology behind quick fix thinking. Why do humans tend to prioritize instant gratification over long-term goals such as having a decluttered, minimalist home and obtaining financial security? The good news is we aren't slaves to our DNA, and in the second part of today's episode I'm offering my best thoughts for stepping away from quick fixes - which, by the way, are also almost always to our detriment - and toward intentional but distant priorities.

Here's a preview:

[5:45] The psychology behind instant gratification: how quick fix thinking changes our brains

[9:50] Why it's so hard to make new, positive habits stick (and why it's so easy to pick up bad habits)

[13:00] 4 reasons why humans tend to prioritize quick fixes over long-term goals

[19:00] 5 action steps for stepping away from quick fixes and towards what's best for us in the future

Further reading/Resources mentioned:

• Spying a product and unsure if it's as good as the marketing makes it sound? Send me the product name and I'll do the research for you!
• 10 Reasons We Rush for Immediate Gratification (via Psychology Today)
• The Real Issue With Instant Gratification (via Psychology Today)
• Listen to this episode on Youtube

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