Photo credit: MoMoGrOw
My thoughts:
Reflecting on the quote above, one can decide to fulfill short term needs thus compromising because the current situation seemingly demands it. On the other hand, one can decide to have a long term focus to achieve that which one ultimately wants. If a plan is made, although the journey might seem difficult, sticking to it might be the better route. Otherwise achieving the goals will seems farther and farther away. In the end it is all about commitment - "stick to it -ism". :) The following questions can be asked:
What is one giving up while opting for instant gratification? Is compromising worth it in the long run?
Some compromises are come in disguises and are often considered necessities or we convince ourselves that they are someone else convinces us - but are they really? In the fast paced modern world we live in - especially in the West - getting what we want when we want it, seems to be the norm. Instant gratification is a compromise - it is usually the the easy way but it tends to come at a cost.
The Oxford Living Dictionaries defines compromise as:
a. An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
b. The expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable.
For the sake of the quote above, the focus will be on b. only. Here are a few situations where there are often compromises which leads to self-defeat:
- Plans to be healthy and one continues to eat junk food, a craving is satisfied now.
- Being in debt. Some people use credit cards without thinking of the future payments however they get what they want to buy now.
- Being in a relationship where compromises are made by one person but not by both - to not upset the status quo.
- Following the actions of a friend or a group to not feel left out.
etc.etc.
Compromises can be very uncomfortable as it is doing something we believe in our heart, to be wrong, but we do it anyway. Each time one compromises it gets easier to do it the next time. Just like a little white lie. They creep up, take over and soon they become a habit.
However, we are masters of our own fate. We are the creators of our lives - so we can make changes. We can stop compromising.
Ultimately, it is worth keeping one's eyes on the proverbial ball in order to obtain what one wants most.