The Perils of Instant Gratification: Rediscovering the Power of Patience

June 14, 2023

In today's fast-paced world, where instant coffee, instant food, and instant gratification reign supreme, we find ourselves drifting away from the virtues that make life meaningful. Our society has become increasingly fixated on immediate results, disregarding the value of patience. This frantic pursuit of instant satisfaction has seeped into every aspect of our lives, including the way we raise our children. It is high time we stop and reflect upon the detrimental effects of this "instant" mentality, especially on our children, and rediscover the power of patience.

The Illusion of Instant Happiness: In a world where we can have almost anything at the click of a button, the concept of patience has been pushed aside. Children are growing up with the expectation that everything should be readily available to them, instantly. Whether it's entertainment, food, or even emotional fulfillment, there is a growing demand for instant gratification. However, this mindset blinds us to the true essence of life and denies us the opportunity to cultivate important virtues such as resilience, perseverance, and delayed gratification.

The Complexity of Instant Living: Living in the "instant" realm might seem convenient and exciting at first, but it comes at a cost. When everything becomes instantly attainable, we lose sight of the process, the journey, and the growth that comes from it. Relationships become fleeting, depth is sacrificed for shallowness, and emotions are reduced to mere surface-level experiences. This instant lifestyle makes life complicated because true fulfillment lies not in immediacy but in the depth of our connections and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges with patience.

The Impact on Children: Children are particularly vulnerable to the allure of instant gratification. With technology offering an array of instant entertainment options, they are growing up in a world where waiting for something is seen as unnecessary. This constant exposure to instant stimuli leads to shorter attention spans, a diminished ability to cope with boredom, and an overall lack of patience. As parents, it is our responsibility to protect our children from these harmful effects and teach them the value of patience.

Rediscovering the Power of Patience: Patience is not merely a virtue; it is the foundation upon which our personal growth and relationships are built. By instilling patience in our children, we provide them with the tools to navigate the complexities of life. We must encourage delayed gratification, which fosters resilience and perseverance. Instead of giving in to their every demand, let us teach them the value of waiting, of putting effort into achieving their goals, and of savoring the anticipation that comes before the reward.

Nurturing Depth and Meaning: In a world obsessed with instant living, it is essential to reintroduce depth and meaning into our lives. Encourage your children to engage in activities that require time and effort, such as reading, playing a musical instrument, or pursuing a hobby. Teach them the beauty of face-to-face interactions, where emotions are felt on a deeper level. By embracing patience, we create a space for genuine connections to flourish and allow our children to experience the richness of life beyond instant gratification.

It's time to break free from the suffocating grip of instant gratification and rediscover the power of patience. As parents, it is our duty to guide our children towards a more fulfilling path. By teaching them the value of delayed gratification, we equip them with the tools they need to navigate a complex world. Let us step back and appreciate the beauty of patience, for it is in the waiting that we truly learn and grow. Only then can we foster a society that cherishes depth, connection, and the joy of living a life beyond instant demands.

Dhananjay Shingroop

Educator and Trainer at

GrowEng Studies and Trainings

Coaching Institute for English and Social Science