How to delay gratification — A lesson from my dog
The first time it happened, was two years ago. I took my dog out, brought him back in, patted his head, said good boy, and left a treat without a second thought. When I returned from work, I walked him and played with him. It was at this point I noticed he did the thing I didn’t reflect on until now.
My dog brought out the treat he saved for the entire day and ate it in front of me. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But now I’ve reflected, and I hope to apply it in my life and maybe you can too.
Before I continue explaining why I believe this is a fantastic feat and how we can apply it, let me tell you a little about myself and my dog. Anyone that knows me knows I love the sport of boxing. To the point where I once said if I had a dog, it would be a boxer. So I got myself a boxer dog. I wish it ended there with the cliches, but I also named him “Sombra,” which translates from Spanish to English as “Shadow.” Get it? Shadowboxer. My cheesiness knows no bounds.
Sombra is a great-looking dog who enjoys walks, playtime, and chasing unsuspecting ducks in our neighborhood, much like most dogs. I have begun to observe him more closely to see if there are other hidden lessons I can relate to my life.
Imagine for a second if you will the sheer willpower it takes to hold off on a treat all day knowing you want it. And I mean he really loves those gravy milk bones. I don’t know how many of you all have watched the marshmallow test with kids, but I don’t think kids would be able to hold off all day from eating the marshmallow. I’m not even bribing my dog with a second bone, and he’s still waiting. In today’s day and age of instant gratification, most people want everything right now even if they understand the outcome for the future will be better.
What I learned from observing and now reflecting on Sombra’s behavior is to delay gratification and to slow down. Not everything needs to happen at the moment. Naturally, Sombra understands that if he eats the treat right away when I leave, he will still be sad because I’m gone. Instead, he chooses to wait to eat his treat to a time he knows he will enjoy it more.
How does Sombra not give in all day? I believe he sleeps, but I’m sure he also daydreams. He forgets about the treat and puts it out of his mind. Now obviously, we don’t have the luxury of sleeping all day for every temptation we encounter. But according to Walter Mischel, a German Psychologist who is famous for those marshmallow studies, we can learn self-control by thinking of something else we like. How I envision Sombra doing this is by dreaming of belly rubs and playing in the dog park.
We can apply this technique by substituting something we like but want to avoid at the moment to think of something else we like. For instance, if I want to avoid the tempting piece of chocolate cake in front of my face, I might think of watching some boxing or basketball or reading — all things I enjoy. The benefit is feeling better about myself and being more healthy.
I never knew my dog would cause me to reflect, but there are a lot of lessons we can learn from our furry friends.
What are some things you all learned from your dog/s, or do you have any additional tips for delaying gratification? Please comment below.
