Why do we sacrifice what we want most in life for what we want this very second?

Question

This was a question asked in a debt article addressing the habits of Americans to purchase things like TV's, sofa's, boats, or even clothes on credit.

So, what is it that we want most in life?

What are we sacrificing?

Why do we do it?

Do we have an over-whelming problem with delaying gratification?

How or what skills do we teach our children that will help them not fall into the debt trap?

Answer 1

this 1st question asks about things 'material'...the other questions seem to implicate some thing spiritual...and answering in ether dimension is no simple matter.

It seems to me every one has some insult self inflicted,..some wound self caused,...some act they denied,.. some secret to condemning to expose,...some memories that time will never dim.

Why indeed do we do those kinds of things..?..can you tell your self honestly you have no such an act of ethical or moral or integrity or spiritual self inflicted incident in your own life?...
why did YOU do it?

Of all these people i have worked with who's lives are wreckage and devastation, those most frequently successful in recovery are the ones who have learned forgiveness, compassion, and to empathize with others.

Recovery from wounded values, esteem, ethics, honer, morals, self-image, pride is a skill learned in reflection and consideration....have 'experiances' no worth, except that of shame, or remorse, or guilt?

If i could do it over, i would teach my kids compasion, forgiveness, empathy, spirituality, and meditation...I wouldnt leave any of those up to God,...or religon,... or the justice system.

Answer 2

Don't sacrifice more than you can repay. My friend is in debt and every paycheck a butt load of cash is taken out, but then she has to buy food and pay rent so she can't pay off the debt...ever.

Answer 3

Lack of common sence and propper prior planning !