Dr. Alex Gee

 

Our best self is yet to be revealed.

In a time when so much gratification is immediate, it’s hard for many to believe that good comes to those who wait. Far too many of us treat the discipline of delayed gratification as though it were life’s greatest tragedy. The sad thing is that delayed gratification isn’t a “no” response…it’s simply a “not right this minute” response.

Consider the trouble that we get ourselves into when we deny our God-given ability to say “no” or to perhaps simply say “not now” to something we want or feel we deserve. When this happens we spend more than we have. We eat what is harmful or we eat amounts that are harmful. We commit ourselves to things that require superhuman strength and unlimited time constraints to complete. We add more work to our schedules and decrease exercise and rest. The sad thing isn’t merely that we want it all…that sad thing is that we want it all right now! 

I don’t think that I would ever be accused of being a slacker by anyone who knows me well. I encourage dreams and hard work. It is wonderful to have great aspirations that are doable, reasonable and well planned. Just remember that for every action there must be a reaction. In other words, what will you say no to in order to offer a serious yes to a new venture or opportunity you’re faced with? [Read more…] about The Power and Discipline of Delayed Gratification

Carpe Diem! It’s a popular Latin phrase that literally means seize the day.

It is interesting to reflect on what you value at various stages of life. As an elementary kid I valued recess and candy. As a middle schooler I valued popularity and Clearasil (this was my generation’s version of Proactive anti-acne cream.) In high school I valued athletics, grades, part-time jobs and girls. In college I valued new networks, global thinking and my preparation for an exciting career. As a newlywed (thirty years ago!), I valued stability, good credit scores and payday.

Today, as man who is fifty-four years of age, what I endeavor to seize is much different. During my younger years I attempted to seize that which helped my success, popularity and comfort. And although I still have (or, suffer from) a healthy drive in life…what I am achieving is a means to an end rather than the desired end. For example, I still enjoy getting paid for the work I do, however, I am more concerned with how I leverage that pay to create memories via vacations with my teen daughter and/or aging mother. As I am invited all over the world to lecture, preach or consult on various humanitarian issues, what I savor is the tremendous people I meet as well as the opportunity to bring others along with me. [Read more…] about Carpe Diem (Seizing the Day)