3 Signs You Are an Instant Gratification Addict

You can get almost anything at anytime on the Internet.  With invention of the Smart Phone and tablet things are now available anywhere you go.  The more readily the information and services are the more we seem to want and the less tolerant we are to wait for anything.

The question is, do we need things immediately or do we just want it because we can have it?  Have we become greedy for information and pleasure?  Everyone wants to experience pleasure in their life.  Pleasure feels great but it doesn't last very long.  That is why we keep seeking it and often push the limits of normal behavior to try and squeeze every last bit of pleasure out of everything.  They say good things come to those who wait...  so why can't we wait?  Are we addicted to instant gratification?  Here are 3 signs:

1. Lack of Self Control
Do you have a hard time stopping certain behaviors like drinking, eating, speeding, spending, or talking about yourself?  This could be a sign that you want to feel as good as can, as soon as possible, and as much as possible no matter the consequences.

2. Gossip
Do you find yourself participating frequently in conversations about other people?  Do you make it a point to share any details you know about certain people at work or in your family?  This could be a sign that you need to feel good by making other people look or sound bad.  You may feel more superior when you talk about the questionable behavior of other people.

3. Desires are too Strong
Do you have to have the latest technology gadget, fashions, celebrity news, or information? Do you often find a way to justify the purchase of things that you really don't need?  Do you have to know everything about what is happening in the news or inside of a company?  You may be passionate about something but love it so much that your desire has reached an unhealthy or obsessive level.  Knowing everything you can about one subject can make you feel good.

If you have some of these signs and experience them on a daily basis you may be addicted to Instant Gratification.  While some of this behavior could be harmless, some of it could be causing you to act in ways that others perceive as questionable.

Here are some things to consider to help curb the need for instant gratification:

1. Acknowledge there is a problem.  Admit it and begin recognize what it looks like.

2. Set boundaries so that you are not tempted.  Don't go to bars.  Don't eat dessert. Don't buy anything for 30 days, Turn off your phone at meals and meetings.

3. Set limits of time, portions, spending, etc. only allow a specific amount of time to spend on your passion or behavior, i.e. once a week, once a day for 30 minutes, etc.

4. Get help.  Find an accountability partner or speak to a counselor.

5. Look at the root of your behavior.  Is there something else missing or not right in your life that this behavior is covering up that needs to be addressed?  Find it and address it.

6. Think bigger.  Instant is small but waiting for something better is bigger thinking and could be more of an investment in your future.

7. Pray for guidance.  God is big and can help you see how blessed you are and how to be content with what you have.

8. Spend time on more important things that add value to other people or to your future such as: Volunteer, take a class, read a book, exercise, teach, spend time with kids or seniors.

9. Go cold turkey!  For example, cancel your text plan, give up sweets, be silent for hours, return the gadget to the store.  Take drastic action to jump start your new line of thinking.

10. Make sure the person you are talking about is in front of you or always assume that what you are saying will be heard or scene by the person.

Start seeking joy rather than pleasure.  Joy is God given, longer lasting, and usually it is a better experience than anything you can imagine on your own.  Joy is harder to find but usually well worth the wait.  Let go of the need for instant gratification and embrace the process of things happening at their own pace.

Better to be Safe or Generous?

Better to be Safe or Generous?

I was driving around town today and found myself being propositioned for money by two very different types of people at two different stop lights. The two people were in the median of a busy intersection asking drivers for money.

One person was an older man, with dirty skin, long hair, and something wasn't quite right with his eyes. He was holding a sign written on cardboard asking for help.

At a different light about 10 miles away, I found a middle-aged woman holding a white bucket with a sign on it referencing a local church and asking for donations.

Both people were aggressively weaving between waiting cars and really working the crowd. I have seen this kind of thing a lot lately around town. Especially the men with the cardboard signs.

I was always told not to acknowledge or communicate with a homeless person for safety reasons. I was also told that the chances of a homeless person having an addiction or mental problem were really high. It was suggested that that if I really wanted to help them that you were suppose to give them food rather than money. This way they won't use the money to buy more alcohol or drugs and will benefit by having a good meal.

As far as the woman representing the church, her cause seemed noble but I couldn't help but wonder why this was necessary and if standing in the middle of the street was really the best way to go about raising money. I even wondered if she was really representing the cause she said she was or if she was just using that as a front for personal gain. It seemed strange that there were only two people with buckets at this big intersection. If it was such a big fund raiser, where were the other members of the church? I would rather give money directly to the church or organization to make sure the funds get to where they are suppose to go. Not to mention how dangerous it is to be stepping in and out of traffic!

What I found really surprising today, was the amount of people rolling down their car windows and donating! At the light with the man the car in front of me emptied his car of change right in the man's hands. At the light with the woman, the car in front of me gave her a stash of bills--maybe $5.

This got me thinking... was I being stingy with my money or just safe? Am I a tight-wad or just a smart citizen? What are your thoughts?