“It is impossible to be successful if you spend all your time looking for instant gratification.” says Author Mawi Asgedom. I think he’s hit the problem of the modern generation. We have very short attention spans and a high expectation of instant gratification that is attached to all of these short form versions of entertainment that get us quick-hit joy moments that don’t last and, beyond that, are not entirely fulfilling. Lasting gratification is a thing that must be earned and as a result we have fewer and fewer people who seem capable of sustaining what is required to reach that joy. As a result we have reconfigured success to being good at these moments–to being a good gamer overnight, to being an overnight sensation, to being someone who gets all the glory but doesn’t put in any of the work.
The idea of working hard for ten years and reaching success is, well, crazy. Who does that? I don’t even think I have that left in myself. It takes a lot more energy to get to the point where you are willing to sustain that output long enough for delayed gratification. That’s the argument I am making here: It is harder to get up for something that is going to take a while to do. It takes less to do what is easy. It takes more to do what is hard. Now, this simple aphorism isn’t new, but I think it bears considering. What message does it send? Does that realization make you feel like, yes I need to work hard or does it leave you feeling for the easier path? I truly believe that is a reflection on the self.
Which brings me back to writing. Putting together a story is not easy work. It is hard and grueling and often results in abject failure. However, the reward is worth the energy. The understanding that you’ve created a lasting piece of work is worth the work you put in to make that a reality.