# The truth of life

> Life is about choices: take the harder path now for an easier tomorrow, or the easy one now for tougher days ahead. Delayed gratification builds growth and lasting success.

- Canonical page: https://shorin.me/en/blog/2024/03/truth-of-life/
- Page language: English
- Published: 2024-03-10
- Tags: Management, Career
- Russian version: https://shorin.me/blog/2024/03/truth-of-life/index.md

📝✍️Choosing between "Hard now, easy later" and "Easy now, hard later" is a crucial life strategy.

💭 Dr Peterson often emphasizes the importance of delayed gratification and choosing what is meaningful over what is expedient as keys to success

Option 1) Hard Now, Easy Later: Embrace challenges today, enjoy rewards tomorrow.

➡️It's the route of delayed gratification – sweat now, so you can coast later. Whether it's grinding through extra hours for your career or skipping those tempting junk food binges for a healthier tomorrow, you're setting up a smoother, more fulfilling future.

😯Benefits:

- Achieve long-term goals with less stress.
- Build valuable skills and resilience.
- Enjoy a sense of accomplishment and security.

Option 2) Easy Now, Hard Later: Opt for the path of least resistance now, face the consequences later.

➡️It feels good at the moment, but it's like kicking the can down the road – eventually, you'll have to pick it up, and it might be heavier than ever.

😵Drawbacks:

- Future challenges could be daunting.
- Missed opportunities for growth.
- Potential regrets for easier choices made today.

🧠The Bottom Line: Your choices shape your future. It’s about choosing your battle wisely – invest in your future by sometimes taking the harder road now. After all, the best views come after the hardest climbs.

Write-Up: Jandeep Singh

## Media

- Video: <https://cdn.shorin.me/blog/2024/03/truth.mp4>
- Poster: <https://cdn.shorin.me/blog/2024/03/truth.jpg>

## Original posts

- LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oleg-shorin_delayedgratification-hardnow-easylater-activity-7172528816609832960-oJL_>
