100-Day Consecutive Project Day 77: The Difference Between Positivity and Self-Indulgence—'True Positivity' Seen Through a Time Axis

The Difference Between Positivity and Self-Indulgence—'True Positivity' Seen Through a Time Axis

Introduction: Is Positivity Really a Good Thing?

'Let's think positively.'
This is a phrase we hear in our daily lives. To be forward-looking, bright, and optimistic—that is certainly wonderful, and in many cases, it is considered to lead to mental well-being.

However, there is a big difference between 'being positive' and 'indulging yourself'—that is what I would like to share with you today.

Sometimes, brushing off events right in front of you with a 'well, that's fine' can become a way to look away from essential problems.

What is 'Self-Indulgence'?

What does it mean to indulge yourself?
In a word, it can be said to be an act of running away from the chance to grow.

For example, suppose there is an opportunity that is painful but would help you grow. However, because it is troublesome or a bit difficult, you intentionally avoid it.
'Now is not the right time,' 'I don't want to push myself'—you might make excuses to yourself like that.

But is that really a positive choice?

Short-term Perspective and Long-term Perspective

What becomes important here is the perspective of the time axis.

What is easy in the short term and what is good for you in the long term do not necessarily coincide.
Rather, long-term positivity often feels negative in the short term.

For example, suppose there is someone who wants to 'lose 10 kilograms.'
The diet goal is clear, and for that person, it is a long-term desire.

However, eating cake after dinner today, or eating potato chips in the middle of the night.
This might feel 'happy' and 'positive' in the short term.
However, in the long term, that choice has the potential to make you suffer.

On the other hand, refraining from sweets might be 'painful' or 'tough' in the short term.
But if that is a means to get closer to a long-term goal, then isn't that actually a 'truly positive' choice?

What is True Positivity?

Thinking about it this way, we sometimes fall into the illusion that **'what feels good now = positive.'**
But positivity is 'being able to make forward-looking choices toward your own goals.'

In other words, 'self-indulgence' is abandoning long-term goals for short-term pleasure.
'Positivity' is choosing a path that will be a plus for you in the long run, even if it is temporarily painful.

Whether or not you are conscious of this difference will completely change your daily choices.

'Running away' is also important. But discerning when to do so is also important.

One thing I want to clarify here is that 'running away is not necessarily a bad thing.'
Sometimes, choosing to run away is necessary to protect your mind and body.
If you push yourself too hard and break down, it defeats the whole purpose.

However, if your actions are simply 'drifting toward the path of least resistance,' please pause for a moment.

Is your current choice truly positive for you?
Or is it just indulgence, and are you merely running away from an opportunity for growth?

It is important to ask yourself these questions.

Conclusion: Make Time Your Ally

The temptations right in front of you, the easy path, the instant gratification.
They are very attractive, and I understand the urge to reach out for them.

But please, try to imagine your future self just a little bit.
If you see yourself working toward a goal, that step might be a 'difficult but positive choice.'

Thinking about positive and negative through a time perspectivemight lead you to realize that actions you previously thought were 'positive' were actually just 'indulgence.'

And the fact that you realized this means you have already taken a step forward.

With love,

Taka