The Power Of The Long Game & Delayed Gratification
I just read a quote from Dan Koe that really resonated with me. Here it is along with a break down of what you can do when you work towards what you want.
If you don’t like your situation, you shouldn’t be worried about how long it will take to change it.
You have nothing better to do than to work on something meaningful.
Who cares if it takes 12 months or 12 years when you would have wasted that time anyway.
— Dan Koe
The Power of Playing the Long Game
In a world obsessed with instant results, Dan Koe’s quote is a powerful reminder that meaningful change isn’t about speed—it’s about direction. Too often, we focus on how long it will take to get where we want to be instead of simply committing to the journey. This mindset keeps people stuck, delaying action while waiting for a “perfect” timeline. But the reality is, whether we take action or not, time will pass anyway. The question is, how will we use it?
Why Time Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think
Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a week but underestimate what they can do in a year—or a decade. If you have a goal, whether it’s building a business, getting in shape, or mastering a skill, the timeframe shouldn’t be your biggest concern. What matters is consistency and progress.
The truth is, you don’t have anything better to do than to work on something meaningful. If you don’t, you’ll likely fill your time with distractions, entertainment, and activities that offer short-term pleasure but no lasting fulfillment. The time will be spent regardless—so why not spend it wisely?
The “Wasted Time” Illusion
One of the biggest fears people have is wasting time. They hesitate to start because they think, “What if this takes years?” But here’s the irony—if you don’t start, those years will pass anyway, and you’ll be in the same place. The difference is, if you start now, even slow progress is better than none. In 12 months, you could look back with regret, or you could look back with pride knowing you stayed consistent with something that mattered to you.
Think about people who started a business five years ago, people who committed to their fitness journey, or those who pursued their passions despite the odds. They may not have been “successful” overnight, but by showing up day after day, they built something that mattered.
Shifting Your Mindset: Focus on the Process
Rather than obsessing over how long something will take, shift your focus to:
- Daily Improvement: What can you do today to move forward?
- Consistent Action: Small steps every day lead to massive results over time.
- Long-Term Vision: Imagine your future self five years from now—what will they thank you for starting today?
- Embracing the Journey: Enjoy the process instead of stressing about the outcome.
Start Now, Stay the Course
If you don’t like your current situation, start working on changing it. It doesn’t matter if it takes a year or a decade—because either way, time is passing. The people who succeed are not necessarily the most talented or the luckiest; they’re the ones who keep going when others quit.
So, what’s something meaningful you can start working on today? Get started—because the best way to predict your future is to create it.
I Repeat For Effect:
If you don’t like your situation, you shouldn’t be worried about how long it will take to change it.
You have nothing better to do than to work on something meaningful.
Who cares if it takes 12 months or 12 years when you would have wasted that time anyway.
— Dan Koe
The Benefits of Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is highly underrated…
It is one of the key principles of long-term success—the ability to resist immediate rewards in favor of greater benefits in the future. This skill is essential for achieving any meaningful goal, whether it’s financial stability, personal growth, or physical fitness.
Delayed gratification strengthens self-discipline and willpower. By choosing to invest in your future rather than indulging in short-term pleasure, you develop mental resilience that makes it easier to stay on track with your goals. The more you practice delaying gratification, the easier it becomes to stay focused and make decisions that align with your long-term vision.
Additionally, those who master delayed gratification tend to experience greater life satisfaction. When you work hard for something and finally achieve it, the sense of accomplishment is much deeper than if you had taken an easy shortcut. Whether it’s building a business, mastering a skill, or improving your health, the rewards of patience and persistence far outweigh any fleeting pleasure from instant gratification.
Embracing delayed gratification also leads to stronger financial health. People who save and invest wisely rather than spending impulsively are far more likely to achieve financial freedom. The same principle applies to any area of life—small sacrifices now can lead to massive payoffs in the future.
Ultimately, learning to delay gratification is about understanding the value of patience and commitment. Every step you take today, no matter how small, compounds over time to create something truly worthwhile. The question isn’t whether you’ll reach your goal—it’s whether you’re willing to wait and work for it.
