Congratulations!

In today's strange world, we often get swept up in the allure of instant gratification: Friday’s coming, and you’ve worked hard. You deserve ______. Does anyone else realize that we always feel like we deserve much more than what we earned? Is that reality or just a consequence of marketing? I believe it’s mostly the latter. And so we often pursue “what we deserve” by doing exactly what those advertisements lure us into. Eventually this leaves us with a sense of emptiness when those fleeting emotional highs subside. The constant buzz of social media, the allure of quick fixes, and the pursuit of momentary pleasures often distract us from a fundamental truth: doing right and doing well is its own reward.

Our addiction to quick emotional rewards can be, in essence, a double-edged sword. While they provide momentary happiness, they can veer us away from the intrinsic value of acting in alignment with our values. Real fulfillment is found in the long-lasting satisfaction that comes from doing what's right and succeeding in our efforts.

Striving for excellence, committing to self-improvement, helping someone else or some situation improve, and achieving success through hard work give us a sense of self-worth and confidence that external validation can't replicate. Accomplishing our goals and mastering our skills offer a sense of pride rooted in the knowledge that we've earned our success.

When we get caught up in rewarding ourselves for “good behavior”, eventually we discover that rewards are easier to come by than actual good behavior. The standard for good behavior begins to get lower, and the rewards more frequent. We’re not waiting until Friday anymore, either. We’re seeking rewards on Tuesday nights because Monday was tough and our favorite newsletter on Tuesday just didn’t revolutionize our day like we thought it would. We had to tough it out another day and… you know what? I deserve it, that’s what. And then Wednesday stinks because you stayed up too late last night… *ugh* Is it Friday yet?

Balancing the pursuit of instant happiness with the quest for long-term fulfillment is so important. It can become a victim of its own success. Doing things well, over time, typically affords you the ability to experience more rewards. But remember, doing well is its own reward. Don’t get me wrong, rewards are not bad. We need moments of joy, but they should complement, not overshadow, the profound satisfaction that comes from living a life in line with our values, helping others, and excelling in our chosen endeavors. It is a simpler life yet a deeper way to live life. It is also a way to maintain control of your life, and it allows you to continually create a life you enjoy.

Our world is not slowing down. We will have more and more at our fingertips as time marches on. But don’t succumb to the temptation of rewards. Remember, doing right and doing well is its own reward. Lasting fulfillment is discovered in the alignment of our actions with our values, the support we offer to others, and the dedication we invest in our pursuits. This path leads to a life that is not just meaningful but profoundly rewarding.

And you must decide if you deserve that!