The Downside of Delayed Gratification

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
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Weekend Reading

We’ve all done it—held onto a bottle of wine for a “special” night that never comes, saved the good towels for guests, or skipped a massage because we were too stressed to enjoy it.

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But what if this well-meaning habit of delayed gratification is actually robbing you of joy in the present moment?

Self-Control Gone too Far: This thought-provoking article explores the “specialness spiral”—the idea that the more you delay enjoying something, the more special it feels, making you even less likely to enjoy it. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

📌 Delaying Joy Can Backfire: Putting things off can make them feel too “special” to use—trapping you in a cycle of waiting

📌 Self-Care Matters Most in Hard Times: Research shows you often benefit from small indulgences when you feel stressed or overwhelmed

📌 “Someday” May Never Come: Retirement is the time to savor life's joys—today

This is Your Reminder: Life’s most meaningful moments often come in the “ordinary” ones you allow yourself to fully enjoy. So go ahead—drink the wine, book the massage, take the trip. Tomorrow isn't promised.