Often, life provides us with two viable choices: the "later larger reward" and the "sooner smaller reward". While there is the obvious right choice, we often tend to gravitate towards the "sooner smaller reward" because it is associated with immediate gratification. The "later larger reward" just looms too far in the distance making it more uncertain and thereby not as desirable . We quickly become accustomed to the "sooner smaller rewards" that give us constant gratification, and often lack the willpower to wait it out for the better choice.
Interestingly, one way that we are better able to pick the "later larger reward" is by cutting off the option of obtaining the "sooner smaller reward". By doing this, we can ensure that we will not give in to temptation and can work our way towards making healthier decisions in life.
Of course, like most things in life, this is easier said than done.
