I can remember watching a program on the Discovery Channel a couple of years ago on child development and how much impact a matter of months can make on the cognitive skills of children. As i recall, there were two subjects, a young child of a particular age and another child about 5 months older than the first child. The researcher explained to both children that they had one of two options. Option one was to receive a small cube of chocolate at that very moment and option two was to receive an entire bar of chocolate after waiting for 10 minutes. Interestingly enough, the first child opted to take the cube right then and there and ate it on the spot but the second child thought about it and decided to wait those ten minutes for the entire chocolate bar.
Even though I'd watched this a while ago, it just occurred to me that even adults think this way and that all people tend to fall under one of two categories: the NOWs who seek instant gratification at the expense of missing out on greater rewards in the future and the LATERs who understand the importance of investing patience, time, and self control in order to receive a far greater and lasting reward in the future.
NOWs and LATERs live their lives drastically different from each other. from the following characteristics, decide whether you are a NOW or a LATER.
1.
NOWs AND MONEY
"Nows" characteristically will spend any bit of money they get their hands on on things they really don't need. They tend to waste money on "show items" or things that cost more than they really can afford.
LATERs AND MONEY
Laters (like nows) wants nice things and may want to spend carelessly but exercise self-control, save, invest, and are frugal because they understand that if they want to enjoy life later, alleviate the stresses of money matters associated with emergencies, and live comfortably without worry, they need to save now and allow their money to accrue interest.
2.
NOWs AND RELATIONSHIPS
Nows tend to jump from relationship-to-relationship or have had many sexual partners because all encounters are based solely on attraction or some sort of gratification due to a longing or deep-seated issue. They usually end up repeating the same cycles over and over because of the anticipated relief of sex or the emotional comfort they receive, if only for a short period of time.
LATERs AND RELATIONSHIPS
Laters are usually very careful as to who they start relationships and have sex with because they understand how much energy, time, and emotion it takes to carry a relationship. To avoid wasting time with someone they have nothing in common with, no coinciding goals, and nothing other than a superficial attraction to, they proceed with caution and are very selective. As far as sex goes, laters understand that unwanted pregnancies and diseases are more likely to appear the more they have sex, that sex is more than just a physical act, and that sex means different things to different people so they run the risk of complicating their lives if they misuse sex.
3.
NOWs AND BEAUTY
Nows invest great quantities of money, time, and energy into enhancing their physical appearance (surgery, clothes, makeup, etc.) and invest far less in enhancing their mind and character. They tend to take (or consider taking) unnecessary risks (financial and physical) to acquire and maintain a desired physical appearance.
LATERs AND BEAUTY
Laters understands that the outer shell ages and expires. They understand that investing great sums of money on the outside and neglecting the inside (spirit and soul) is not wise because they know that a noble character and a heart full of knowledge and wisdom have the power to echo throughout time. They will spend time reading, listening, analyzing, and learning. They will utilize character-building information and exercises and spread their acquired character, wisdom, and knowledge to others with the understanding that changing a life can change the course of history.
4.
NOWs AND ETERNITY
Most Nows understand very well that there is a place called Heaven and a place called Hell. Unfortunately, because they are so in love with instant gratification they choose to ignore the reality of impending destruction and replace it with a rationale that justifies the pleasure of doing whatever their hearts tell them to do. They live as if their own desires are God not truly realizing that eventually, they will have to be held accountable by the true God for every decision they have made and there will be no excuses.
LATERs AND ETERNITY
Overall, true "laters" order their steps in life very carefully, partially because they understand the rules of cause and effect (the other part is because they truly love God and want to do what pleases Him). They acknowledge that they sometimes have the same desires as the "nows" but they stand on the fact that not everything desirable is to be desired. They also understand whatever they sow is what they will reap, whether it be now or later. Ultimately, laters enjoy life but always keep in mind the realities of eternity and govern themselves in a heaven-bound manner.
You get the idea right? So after reading and pondering on some of the characteristics of Nows and Laters, can you honestly determine which category YOU fall under? If you have come to the shocking conclusion that you are a "now", well, that's ok. You don't have to be a now forever and it's not too late to become a "later." Begin to focus your mind on what you desire your future to be. If you can, write it down. Make a list, a goals chart, or whatever you know will give you a reminder and inspiration to pursue and achieve your future goals. Then, order your steps in a way that will bring you closer to your future desires (or in other words, make every decision as if you future depended on it.)
Be a later and get your chocolate bar, you'd have earned it :)
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