Overcoming Short-Sightedness: A Path to Long-Term Success

In the intricate landscape of our minds, firing neurons create pathways that illuminate our thoughts and emotions. Through mindful attention, we can peer into the depths of our souls, gaining profound insights that help us uncover hidden motivations driving our behavior. These revelations are crucial in identifying errors in thought patterns that often lead us astray from our true goals. With proper guidance and self-awareness, we can learn to redirect our focus towards behaviors that align with long-term intentions rather than succumbing to fleeting desires. This shift in perspective encourages us to prioritize actions that contribute not only to immediate satisfaction but also pave the way for lasting joy and fulfillment.

Too often, we find ourselves ensnared by shortsightedness—placing undue emphasis on immediate pleasures while neglecting the broader horizon of potential future happiness. To break this cycle, it is essential to lift our heads and look further into what lies ahead. By cultivating a forward-thinking mindset, we empower ourselves to make choices that nurture growth and well-being over time. Embracing a longer-term view allows us to envision the flourishing life we desire; one where decisions made today yield fruitful outcomes tomorrow. Ultimately, fostering this awareness enables us to navigate life’s complexities with intention and purpose, steering clear of momentary distractions in favor of enduring rewards.

Emotional Reaction to Experience

​We experience a range of emotions; the spectrum of feeling experience gives richness to life. The momentary feeling of an incident of emotion may excite or depress. Our body reacts to experience with sorrow, anger, guilt, shame, disgust, joy and excitement. The emotional reaction activates both external responses and internal responses. The emotion shows on our face as muscles tighten and words change tones. We become a billboard broadcasting the depths of our internal life.

The flow of emotion doesn’t stop at our borders but flows outward to others who perceive our emotion, internalize the communication and react. The cycle has just begun; we in turn see their reaction, internalize their response and emotionally react to their reaction. Anxieties from work flow into the house, frustrations from home spill over into work.

Shortsighted Reaction to Discomforting Emotion

The chain of reaction of emotion ripples across time and geography. In personal relationships, we express emotions with words and actions, our partner soaks in the energy and responds; and we respond to their response. Our immaturity or skill of the involved players determine whether the energy is calmed or magnified as it ripples back and forth.

​Our responses may benefit or damage long-term purposes. Just as a football player is tossed from a game for throwing a punch—destructive to his intention to win, we may react violently to an emotion, destroying the closeness we desire. The next exchange remembers the hurtfulness of past exchanges.

Because some emotions are discomforting, our bodies demand a response to balance the system and return to comfortable homeostasis. The emotions signal the need for action to reestablish balance. When we hurt, we seek causes and answers. We pull our hand from the fire because it hurts. We run from a threat to eliminate the fear.

​Nature programmed the body to reduce discomfort by addressing the trigger. Unfortunately, at times, we resolve emotions in non-productive ways. Unpaid bills get shoved into a dark drawer—out of sight, out of mind. We project causes on the wrong target, blaming others when we personal action may be culprit. Sometimes we utilize destructive distractions such as opening another bottle of that cheap wine gifted from aunt Elda just to forget the approaching calamity.

See Emotional Discomfort for more on this topic

Temporary Escapes

Occasional escapes from challenging situations are perfectly understandable. Life can be overwhelming, and we all need time to recharge and replenish our depleted energy. Taking a mental break, whether it’s through relaxation techniques, spending time in nature, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies, is essential for our well-being. These temporary escapes provide much-needed respite from stress and allow us to return to challenges with renewed focus and clarity.

However, when these escapes become our primary coping mechanism, they can prevent us from addressing the underlying issues that are causing us distress. Under these circumstances, the habitual response is shortsighted. By consistently avoiding or distracting ourselves from these challenges, we inadvertently allow them to fester and grow. Unresolved problems can manifest in various ways, such as recurring negative emotions, physical symptoms like anxiety or insomnia, and difficulties in our relationships. Our bodies often send us signals through these symptoms, urging us to address the root cause of our discomfort.

Ignoring these signals and relying solely on temporary escapes can create a cycle of avoidance and perpetuate the underlying issues. This can lead to a sense of stagnation, a lack of personal growth, and a diminished sense of well-being. Addressing the root cause of our challenges, even if it’s uncomfortable, is crucial for long-term well-being and personal growth.

See Avoidance for more on this topic

Addressing the Core Problem

​Healthy approaches eventually address the core problem. We need to devise a plan to pay those bills; sit down with our partner and have the difficult discussion; go to the doctor to get the nagging pain evaluated. To resolve the underlying issue, we must face the discomfort.

Marshall Goldsmith, pioneering expert on behavioral change and 360-degree feedback, wrote that there is a “timeless tension” between what we want and what we need. We want “short-term gratification while we need long-term benefit.” He continues: “And we never get a break from choosing one or the other. It’s the defining conflict of adult behavioral change” (Goldsmith, 2015). Our patterned response to this conflict creates our futures, for better or worse.

Many discomforts are a consequence of choice; other hurts randomly strike—just bad luck. Life may be unpredictable. We suffer, at times, from causes beyond our control. As we mindfully attend to the complexity, we become adept at recognizing different factions of experience. Recognizing the fine nuances connecting emotions, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and subsequent consequences; our growing self-knowledge provides more accurate assessments. With a realistic view of cause and effect, we make better choices, notably improving life and limiting painful anxiety and unproductive demands to escape.

Understanding Impact of Behavior on Future

Without an accurate picture, reality is blunted, handicapping efficient responses that could resolve the repeating issues—so we seek escape. Often our examination stops once we identify a single outside trigger. We finger the rude driver as the culprit for our tantrum; but a closer examination would reveal our impatience and habitual tardiness, not the other driver, as the cause for the emotional outburst.

By projecting cause, in this case on the other driver, we avoid responsibility. Our shortsighted judgments ignore personal behaviors that need adjusting. Changes to our morning preparation that left more time to commute would start our day in the office with less anxiety, leaving more energy for productivity. We claim victimhood, giving power to others that we should retain ourselves.

The Marshmallow Test

The Marshmallow Experiment, conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel, is a famous study that investigates the relationship between self-control in childhood and future outcomes. In this experiment, young children were presented with a choice: eat one marshmallow immediately or wait a short period and receive two marshmallows.

The experiment highlighted the importance of delayed gratification. Children who could resist the immediate temptation of the single marshmallow and wait for the larger reward were found to have better life outcomes later on, such as higher academic achievement, greater success in their careers, and better overall health. This suggests that the ability to resist immediate gratification is a crucial skill that contributes to long-term success.

Steven Southwick (1948-2022) and Dennis Charney, leading researchers on the neurobiology and psychological factors of resilience, explain:

“The Marshmallow Test assesses how well a child can delay gratification. The ability to delay gratification is an essential skill for success in life. It involves tolerating the temporary discomfort of forgoing a smaller immediate reward for a larger reward in the future. Learning to delay gratification is at the heart of willpower” (Southwick & Charney, 2018).

However, it’s important to note that the Marshmallow Experiment has been subject to criticism. Some researchers argue that the study’s findings may be influenced by socioeconomic factors, as children from more privileged backgrounds may have had greater access to resources and support that fostered self-control. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between self-control, socioeconomic factors, and life outcomes.

See Delay of Gratification for more on this topic

Guarding Against Shortsightedness

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to make quick decisions can sometimes lead to shortsightedness, where the immediate benefits are prioritized over the long-term consequences. This can result in missed opportunities, regret, and suboptimal outcomes. However, by employing certain strategies and cultivating a mindful approach, one can guard against shortsighted decision making and pave the way for sustainable success.

1. Embrace a Long-term Perspective

One of the fundamental ways to avoid making shortsighted decisions is to develop a long-term perspective. This involves considering the future implications of your actions and weighing the potential long-term benefits against the short-term gains. Ask yourself questions such as “How will this decision impact me a year from now?” or “What are the potential long-term consequences of this choice?”

See Future Oriented Thinking for more on this topic

2. Set Clear Goals

Having clear, well-defined goals can help steer your decision-making process towards long-term success. When you have a vision of where you want to be in the future, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your objectives. Write down your goals and refer to them regularly to ensure that your decisions are in harmony with your desired outcomes.

See SMART Goals for more on this topic

3. Gather Comprehensive Information

Before making any significant decision, it’s crucial to gather as much relevant information as possible. This includes understanding the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. By being well-informed, you can make more rational and well-considered choices that take into account all possible scenarios.

4. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Consulting with others and seeking diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights that you might not have considered otherwise. Different viewpoints can highlight potential pitfalls and offer alternative solutions. Engage in discussions with colleagues, mentors, or experts in the field to broaden your understanding and make more informed decisions.

5. Practice Patience and Deliberation

Often, shortsighted decisions are made in haste. Practicing patience and taking the time to deliberate can prevent impulsive choices. Give yourself the time to thoroughly evaluate the options, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the long-term ramifications. Remember, it’s better to take a little longer to make a decision than to rush and regret it later.

6. Use Analytical Tools

Utilize analytical tools and frameworks to aid in the decision-making process. Techniques such as SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), cost-benefit analysis, and scenario planning can provide a structured approach to evaluating options. These tools can help you identify the most strategic choices and avoid shortsightedness.

7. Reflect on Past Decisions

Learn from your past experiences by reflecting on previous decisions and their outcomes. Analyze what worked well and what didn’t, and use these insights to guide your future choices. This reflective practice can help you recognize patterns and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

See Deep Reflection for more on this topic

8. Cultivate Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the moment, which can enhance your awareness and clarity when making decisions. By practicing mindfulness, you can better assess the situation, recognize biases, and make more deliberate and thoughtful choices. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindful journaling can help cultivate this valuable skill.

See Psychology of Mindfulness for more on this topic

9. Focus on Ethical Considerations

Ethical decision making is critical for long-term success and sustainability. Consider the ethical implications of your choices and strive to make decisions that align with your values and principles. This not only builds trust and credibility but also ensures that your decisions contribute positively to the greater good.

See Morals and Ethics for more on this topic

10. Balance Risk and Reward

It’s essential to find a balance between taking calculated risks and seeking rewards. Avoiding risks altogether can lead to missed opportunities, while taking excessive risks can result in adverse consequences. Evaluate the potential risks and rewards of each option and choose the path that offers the most balanced and sustainable outcome.

11. Implement Feedback Mechanisms

Establishing feedback mechanisms can help you monitor the progress and impact of your decisions. Regularly reviewing and assessing the outcomes allows you to make necessary adjustments and course corrections. This iterative process ensures that you remain on track towards achieving your long-term goals.

See Feedback Loops for more on this topic

Associated Concepts

• Wise Mind: This is a core concept in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It refers to the integration of two complementary states of mind: the emotional mind and the reasonable mind. In DBT, the cultivation of the wise mind is important for making effective choices and decisions, especially in challenging and emotionally charged situations.
• Executive Functions: These are a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior, including working memory, flexible thinking, and inhibitory control.
• Behavioral Control Theory: This theory provides a framework that explains how individuals regulate their behavior to achieve specific goals. It’s based on the idea that people have internal mechanisms that monitor and adjust their actions to maintain a desired state.
• Wise Decisions: These are choices made thoughtfully and judiciously, considering both immediate and long-term consequences. They stem from sound judgment, experience, and often, a degree of intuition.
• Self-Regulation: This refers to the ability to manage and control one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve personal goals and adapt to various situations. It involves processes such as impulse control, emotional regulation, and the ability to focus attention, make decisions, and persist in tasks.
• Frustration Tolerance: The ability to tolerate and survive crises and accept life as it is in the moment. Part of this involves making wise decisions in distressing situations, which is where Wise Mind comes into play.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

Our minds are powerful agents. They work behind the curtains of awareness. We’ll never fully understand all the moving pieces of thought and motivation; but we can discover more; garnering new and deeper insights, allowing for more realistic labeling by looking beyond our shortsighted impulsive reactions. Through mindful contemplation, we identify personal flaws, temper destructive behaviors, and develop healthy habits that create peace and success in the future.

Last Update: December 4, 2025

References:

Goldsmith, Marshall (2015). Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts—Becoming the Person You Want to Be. Crown Business; First Edition edition. ISBN-13: 978-0804141239
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Southwick, Steven, Charney, Dennis (2018) Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges. Cambridge University Press; 2 edition. ISBN-10: 0521195632; DOI: 10.1017/CBO9781139013857
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