The Duality of Novelty Rewards vs. Conservative Classics

by: Angela Munoz

When my children were toddlers, I couldn’t wait to conduct my own social experiments on them such as the wildly popular “marshmallow test” that is also known as a temptation test (Resnick, 2018). The idea is to present your toddler with a fresh, delicious marshmallow and tell them that if they can wait 15 minutes before eating the treat, then they will be presented with two marshmallows instead. While this was an incredibly fun way to test the breaking point of my favorite toddlers, this also reveals great insight into the devilish pull of instant gratification over the less popular long wait for rewards.

The test revealed that my first born, Jacob, is not a fan of marshmallows, and he waited the entire 15 minutes and was then sorely disappointed because he never even wanted the first marshmallow. The next test several years later with my youngest son, Samuel, was much quicker. In fact, he did not listen to the instructions at all, and he ate the marshmallow first thing and ran off to go play. While these temptation tests revealed some unsettling truths about my children’s level of patience, ability to follow directions, and food preferences, this does not however indicate that they will never find success because they are impatient, or dislike marshmallows.

Much like the marshmallow test for toddlers, adults rely on more academic methods for testing their reliance on either novelty rewards or choosing conservative classics in their lifestyle, relationships, and career choices. In the statement, “Success is the result of prioritizing long-term desire over short-term gratification” one can see how the obvious choice for success is cemented in the long, hard, and difficult path, and anything less is just subpar. The reasoning behind this strategy follows every adage ever created such as “good things come to those who wait,” “patience is a virtue,” and we cannot forget Benjamin Franklin’s pearl of wisdom, “he that can have patience can have what he will.” Therefore, we know that suffering, enduring, and sacrificing are all sanctified by those who are playing for the long game.

There is some duality in this thinking though, since we know that those who are willing to wait a long time for gratification and rewards have put in long hours of suffering and it seems that the more time and effort they invest into the project, the more valuable they envision their prize to be. However, if the reward were just presented to them on a plate like our marshmallow experiment, would they so easily accept it? Would the prize even be valued after it has been presented in such a novel way without any effort or sacrifices required? The simple answer is no, because humans are seriously complicated and complex beings. Our basic instincts tell us what is easy has no value, and what is difficult holds all the rewards. Even though our caveman instincts drive us to prefer the conservative efforts of a long hard wait, there are still times when we require short-term rewards. These quick novel rewards remind us that we can achieve our short-term goals, and this provides hope that we will also reach our long-term goals.

For instance, I know that the doctoral program takes two years to complete. While this is a long duration of time and money to reach the end of this degree, I know each day I am closer to realizing my goal, I am continuously learning and growing, and I know one day this degree will take me out of the call center and into a fulfilling career where I can teach, travel, and see an end to financial hardships. I have already dedicated many years of trial and error, waiting, and hoping to get to this point, so quitting is not an option, and I can only move forward. My only priorities are to excel in my work, education, and relationships, and avoid instant gratification distractions that may interfere with my short-term and long-term goals.

If I were to strategize short-term and long-term rewards during this program, I might consider pedicures, girl trips, and spending sprees, but I am known for my intrinsic motivation, and I am happy to just relax and enjoy the life I am working so hard to create. This speaks to my love of quality time with my family and friends, and when I create short term-rewards for myself it usually involves a quick trip to the beach to rest and relax or an enjoyable weekend at home cooking and setting up my Mediterranean garden. As time is our most valuable commodity, I can rest assured that the sacrifices I am making now far outweigh any sources of instant gratification that may take up my time and derail my goals. The long-term rewards that keep me going are to complete my very best coursework for my professors and to achieve the doctorate degree. That will be reward enough, however I have always wanted to travel. If I am given the opportunity, I will take it and anything else will be icing on the cake, or perhaps the promise of extra marshmallows.

References

Resnick, B. (2018, June 6). The "marshmallow test" said patience was a key to success. A new replication tells us s'more. Vox. Retrieved June 17, 2022, from https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/6/6/17413000/marshmallow-test-replication-mischel-psychology