personal finance philippines, money management philippines, delay gratification, argel tiburcio

The SEGA Megadrive

Haha! Do any of you guys remember this console?

This was like the Sony Playstation of the early 90’s!

Anyway, I’m writing about this super snazzy and super awesome game console because this is related to my earliest memory of delaying gratification.

Delayed gratification

Getting the definition from Wikipedia:

Delayed gratification, or deferred gratification, is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.

Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated with computers (and of course, computer games!)

So when I discovered the Sega Megadrive (the picture above), and all the cool games I can play using it, I resolved to save my allowance plus my birthday gifts PLUS my Christmas gifts so that I can buy it.

I resisted the urge to buy other toys or play things because I already decided to buy the SEGA Megadrive.

And then on the fateful day, when I successfully saved the right amount to buy the SEGA Megadrive, I remember my dad accompanied me to the toy store…

I check the amount in the toy store’s display, counted my money (just to make sure), chose a game cartridge (yes, CDs were not yet prevalent back then) so that I can play right away when I got home, and paid for it.

Happiness.

Bliss.

I can hardly wait to get home and assemble the game system!

I also remember that we were attending my cousin’s birthday party at the mall where the toy store was located so I can’t go home just yet.

Imagine my anticipation!

But, looking back, this was my earliest memory of delaying gratification.

I carried the discipline as the years passed by.

I managed to buy my own PC when I was in college using this strategy too.

I saved my allowance and cash gifts again, and when I was on my 3rd year in college, I was able to assemble the PC that I used for my geeky computer science degree.

But wait!

I am not telling you this story so that you can do it for buying unnecessary things!

I am telling you this story so you can develop the discipline.

The discipline of forcing yourself to set aside money.

Set aside money for giving away, for investing, for expenses, for education, for your wants.

But that’s another topic altogether.

I’ll share it to you too. Don’t worry.

So, have you got any similar stories about delayed gratification you want to share?

Comment below! Let’s hear it!

To our success in all areas of life,
Argel Tiburcio
I’m on Facebook: http://bit.ly/argeltiburcio-dot-com

Image source: http://sonicfamily.wikia.com/wiki/Sega_Mega_Drive

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Argel Tiburcio

Founder and CEO at ArgelTiburcio.com

When he is not busy watching "The Office", lounging at the beach, or playing 1st person shooting games, Argel consistently invests in the stock market, both local and global. He loves learning through books, training, seminars, and workshops. He also helps Pinoys create, manage, grow, and protect their wealth as a globally-certified Professional Financial Advisor. Get in touch with him by sending an email to contact[at]argeltiburcio.com