Second Order Consequences

I want the junk food - but I don’t want to get fat.

I want the extra drink - but I don’t want the hangover.

I want to spend money now - I don’t want to deal with being broke.

I want the shortcut now - but I don’t want to deal with the consequences.

We all want the first order consequences. We all want the instant gratification. We all want that shot of dopamine.

Inside we all know the cost. The cost is what we really want. What we really need.

These are the second order consequences. The long-term goals. The delayed gratification. The financial security.

What if we could build a habit to crave the second order consequences?