Short term pain, long term gain.

The Power of Delayed Gratification

This mental model emphasizes making sacrifices in the present for compound benefits in the future. It's about trading immediate pleasure or comfort for long-term success and fulfillment.

Real-World Examples

• Education: Years of studying (pain) for a rewarding career (gain)
• Entrepreneurship: Working long hours without pay initially (pain) to build a successful business (gain)
• Health: Strict diet and exercise (pain) for fitness and longevity (gain)
• Finance: Living below your means and investing (pain) for financial freedom (gain)

The Inverse Is Also True

Beware of "short-term gain, long-term pain" scenarios: instant gratification through credit card debt, unhealthy habits, or avoiding difficult conversations might feel good now but compound into serious problems later.

Making It Work

The key is keeping your long-term vision clear and compelling enough to sustain you through short-term discomfort. Break the journey into milestones to maintain motivation along the way.