Focus on the now or plan long-term?

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“We are doing things with our money that make us happy in the moment, but that’s not always the best strategy for long-term well-being."
         - Michael Norton, Harvard Business School professor who researches the psychology of happiness

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Focus on the Now or Plan Long-Term?

Watch the budget impasses in Washington today and you might well want to tear your hair out (I do)! But the reality is that many of us have some of that “focus on the now and let the future take care of itself” mentality so rampant in DC. Michael Norton suggests that there are good ways to focus on the now, and not so good ways, when it comes to money.

Specifically, he suggests that spending to satisfy a personal craving – for example to eat fast food or buy a car – doesn’t do much for your long-term well being (not to mention your waistline!) On the other hand, spending money on travel with loved ones, or simply spending time with them, can. These activities strengthen relationships, and research demonstrates strong relationships are key to a healthy life and living longer.

Hmmm...winter vacation with my partner, or a car? Maybe the clunker has a few more years left in it!

MY NEXT COURSE FOR COUPLES STRUGGLING WITH ADHD STARTS ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9TH.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO THIS LINK.

© 2011 Melissa Orlov