When Feeling Good and Being Good for Us Don’t Align

Exploring the Balance Between What Satisfies Us Now and What Sustains Us for the Future

Photo by Andres Ayrton from Pexels.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." —Viktor E. Frankl

Have you ever found yourself reaching for that extra piece of cake, knowing it might upset your stomach later? Or have you decided to skip a workout, opting for the comfort of your couch? All of us have.

Something compelling about the immediate gratification these choices bring is the instant pleasure—no waiting required. This human inclination to seek such moments is in our nature, and it often leads us down a path that diverges from our long-term well-being.

This topic surfaced during a conversation with a close friend who was angry toward someone who had wronged her. In the heat of the moment, she felt justified in expressing her frustration, believing it would bring her relief. This is a…