I Like Water Filters

Perhaps humanity’s greatest challenge is to delay gratification. I wish it weren't this way, but most behaviors that are healthiest for us, help us achieve our personal professional goals, and bring us the most fulfillment are things that don’t feel good to do in the moment. 

The world seems to operate like this: Immediate superficial reward = Delayed consequences. Delayed meaningful reward = Immediate consequences.

Oddly enough, something that reminds me of this is the water filter we have in our kitchen. It’s better for you to drink filtered water rather than water from the tap, so this is an important aspect of my health. But the thing about a water filter is it’s not ready for you immediately. You pour tap water in the top and the water runs through the filter slowly, drip by drip. This means that in order to drink filtered water when you want it, you need to be proactive about making it available.

It gives me satisfaction to fill up the water filter because it reminds me of how I choose to do the things that are good for me. It’s a subtle flex that I’m committed to doing things that serve more over the long term. Because if I don’t, then I’m forced to drink unfiltered water or waste time and wait until it’s filtered. 

Every time I prepare the water filter, it’s a small gift I’m giving to my future self. And that’s what delaying gratification is all about. The more we can be connected to the impact our choices today will have on us in the future, the more reward we feel in the short-term when we make good choices. And it makes it easier to do the right thing.

Filling up a water filter is the smallest, stupidest, most boring thing to talk about… But it’s the concept behind it that speaks volumes. Imagine if you did more things that your future self will thank you for. Imagine if you traded giving into temptation, getting distracted, and reacting emotionally for self-control, laser-focus, and emotional regulation. 

Your health, daily progress toward your personal and professional goals, and relationships would improve tremendously. And I guess it all starts with investing the 15 seconds to be proactive about filling up your water filter.