# Prioritize the long-term \* ![](/files/b8HLTbc57qFU5rsOJKWb) Our brains evolved for instant gratification in a hunter-gatherer world. But today, we live in a "delayed-return environment" that requires a new mindset. How do we adapt? By hacking and rewiring our brains to prioritize long-term rewards. 🎯 Goal-setting is your new best friend! SMART goals are key. Break your long-term vision into smaller, achievable milestones & prioritize. Reverse-engineer habits to achieve those milestones. Be 1% better every day. Focus on direction, instead of speed. 💪 Adopt a growth mindset. Practice delaying rewards. Use mindfulness to help you resist instant gratification. Establish accountability and track progress. See challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Keep showing up. Celebrate your wins. 🚀 Cultivate habits that help you delay rewards, focus on long-term growth, and enjoy the journey. 🌟 Break free from instant gratification! --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://blog.smarty.ai/my-productivity-playbook/goals/prioritize-the-long-term.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.