Short Term Pain - Long Term Gain!

Smokers often feel anxious whilst they anticipate the relief of their next cigarette. People can be fearful when they run out of cigarettes, or in non smoking situations & would almost smoke any brand purely to relieve them from the anxiety. The sensation of 'relief' and the anticipation build up is an intense association. This experience can be an unbelievable 'high for a smoker & the core of the addiction for many people.

Many individuals became accustomed to a 'nervous energy and anxiety period' followed by a 'high' as they get used to the 'quick relief' association in relationships. This addictive relationship type can be nicknamed the 'ROLLER COASTER' - which experiences very similar stages - repeated over & over again. Such relationships (like cigarettes) should come with warning labels too!! A relationship that fuels fear & anxiety over & over again IS NOT a healthy one.

I quit smoking & unhealthy relationships (pretty much) at the same time. I accepted that my process of instant gratification & the 'quick fix' weren't producing positive results for me. It only made me feel as though I wasn't capable of anything that acquired 'effort'.... as I had previously RELIED so heavily on the 'quick fix' to motivate me... But it actually wasn't motivating me to move into a positive empowering direction (forward). I like the saying - short term gain (the relief of instant gratification) equals long term pain ('going in circles' producing the same disempowering results for myself). One day I recognised the analogy that smoking shared with other areas of my life.

The thought of investing into oneself can appear daunting & energy draining. To take 'action' was perceived as way too much 'effort', especially when we question our capabilities. 'It's too hard' 'I cant do it'.... Our self doubt is the major obstacle... But often there isn't the realization that we are ALREADY putting energy & effort into things automatically. Unfortunately, some situations we focus on now (which is most likely draining you of mental energy already) is producing NEGATIVE results. Your effort/focus is primarily going into 'holding onto' a BAD situation. Often this takes a lot more energy and action than moving forward. Once I made the decision to face my fears (& started investing into believing in myself) I realized that it was a perceived 'short term pain' that equals long term gain.

My advice - be dubious about the 'quick fix' & the reasons why you seek it out? Maybe it's because you have an association and reliance that it's appears an effortless solution for you. The investment into seeking out a quick fix might be better put into breaking that association.