I’ve been thinking a lot about things that suck in the short term, but are worth it in the long run. It doesn’t only apply to pain, but to boredom, awkwardness, and nervousness as well. Short and long term are relative, and change with the situation. Sometimes it’s difficult to see past the present, but if you can put things in perspective and look down the road even a little bit, chances are it will make the here and now a whole lot easier.
There are countless examples of the short term/long term trade-off in everyday life. Exercising is a great example. When you start out, it’s pretty rough going for a while. It can be especially frustrating if you’re trying to lose weight and/or build muscle, because those things don’t happen over night. When you’re on that treadmill or pounding the pavement, your legs are killing you, and you want nothing more than to be sitting on your couch watching TV…remember why you started exercising in the first place. Think about your goals, and how amazing it would be to accomplish them, and push through the pain.
Even when it’s not physical, or even emotional pain, that you’re dealing with, focusing on the long term gain can help you through. If your significant other drags you shopping, or to a sporting event that you could care less about, think about how happy they are to have you with them. It probably means more to them than you know, and there’s a good chance they’ll remember it for a while. For my fellow job searchers, use this way of thinking in regards to cover letters and interviews. Yes, both can seem stilted and awkward, but if you make it to the next step in the process, it will have been well worth it. And, even if you don’t get there, you still got the practice, and you can improve for the next time.
Technology has spoiled us and increased our expectations for instant reward and gratification. In reality, things aren’t always that easy, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss the opportunities that will challenge us before they reward us. After all, fighting your butt off for something and finally getting it is a pretty amazing feeling.
