A Gentle Reminder to Reward Yourself

 This hadn't been a plan of action until lately. 

I would place orders that would be delivered right around the 15th and 30th of each month.

Sure, you could call them splurges, but these are worth Php 1,000.00 at most. It doesn't matter if these purchases are for practical reasons (e.g. fitness trackers, investment books, weights, and the like), or if they're simply a 'want' (e.g. stickers and playstore apps - GTA Vice and San Andreas).

I've decided that I should reward myself for delaying gratification.

That delayed gratification looks like:

1. Setting aside roughly 60-80% of my monthly income for savings, investments, and to pay off debt.

 Note that I didn't have to procure debt. I just didn't want to cash out that much money on a single purchase. I wanted to prorate the payments so I would understand the value of my phone.

Anyone would be tempted to spend much money. But instead of buying haphazardly, I chose to put money in a bank, so I would have a liquid pool of resources should I find the right property to buy.

2. Adding to cart, but rarely placing an order

Whether it be adding items to my virtual shopping cart, or liking several items, it matters that I exercised utmost restraint in putting off the purchase. 

I have noticed that when I am under stress, I'm more likely to purchase a 'want' just to wield some degree of control over my life.

But by putting off the purchase and reminding myself of my long-term goals, I remain steadfast to the commitment I have made for my future self: financial freedom. 

3. Sticking to several jobs.

It was more important for me to land a job, than to wait for the perfect government position. Whilst waiting for results or calls from prospective employers, I would be gaining experience.

I'm not wholly fulfilled with some of the jobs that I have and I believe that it is time to tender my resignation. That would mean less cash flow every month, but I am hopeful that it would be replaced by cash flow from other sources.

I have learned that company culture and individual behavior play a big part in job satisfaction. I only understood the value of these two factors after taking up a corporate job. And while I commend myself for staying in the company for longer than necessary, I also hold myself responsible for the peace of mind that should result from working for a cause I believe in. 

4. Putting off travel.

Part of my goals this year is to travel often. 

Every month, I make sure to allot money per account for different expenses. One such account is supposed to fund my dream life. That dream life consists of me traveling to different cities, local and abroad, in the hopes of learning much about sub/cultures.

I'm sure that just like me, people can't see the degree of discipline it takes to put off immediate gratification. But every once in a while, make sure to reward yourself so that your brain associates delayed gratification with a sense of pleasure and excited anticipation.