The Art of Delaying Gratification

    Who doesn’t love a good reward? In an attention starved, poverty stricken, passive paradigm, many black people can’t seem to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. Be it a home, a significant other, a nice vehicle, or even some Hot Cheetos, there seems to be a chemical in our brains perpetually keeping us stagnant from achieving what our heart truly desires. We understand life is hard. This is understood. The day by day living, constant budgeting, and wishing for more finance is a staple in the black community. What I am here to offer is not only a change of attitude, but an entire perception shift on what can be attained if one just appreciates what you have and wait.

   Now, at times I can be very arrogant about what I want out of life. I seriously envision a beachfront property I work out of with my brother. 2-3 times a week I may broadcast my logs and journeys with like minds to motivate. I plan to travel the entire globe visiting predominately black countries stopping at conventions for more knowledge and business networks. This is minuscule and pretty much the surface of what I have planned for myself for 2020. The beautiful thing about this vision, I know it is possible and sometimes that’s all black men need. I care not of the attrition rate or failure, but is it possible? Another beautiful thing, I want this more than I want to smoke. I want this more than I want my EBT on time. The chance to gain financial stability and bring my loved ones to liberation is so worth saving my money for.

   Let’s go through a quick run down on how this is feasible. What are some quick things that would make me feel good for the duration of this month? I sure would love an 1/8th of some herb right now. It sure would be nice to be in some female company right now for validation. It sure would be nice to order 3 large pizzas and emotionally eat myself into a coma. Once we begin to shift the thought, bigger rewards are going to come to mind. In our stressed lives, that quick fix can be relieving, but equally if not more detrimental. What if I decided to dedicate this month to fasting of things I know are hindering me. Be it communication with negative people, constant spending on frivolous items, or constantly watching media that doesn’t get you any closer to salvation, something has to be sacrificed for the greater good. You can’t get something you’ve never had doing the same old things you’re used too.

   I hope you find mental stability in today’s article, and more importantly ask yourself what is it you really want? Can it be attained? This year? Next year? How bad do you want it? We all will reach a point in our lives where poverty is no longer an option. I implore my family to hone yourself and your skill set to better prepare yourself for the true kingdom that awaits you.


-Knotty