I can visualize exactly what my life will look like when I'm financially free but I can't seem to skip buying coffee or takeout lunch today, like my future self is a stranger I don't care about.
More people experience this than they realize.
The psychological distance between present desires and future benefits makes delayed gratification feel like sacrificing for someone else entirely.
“Where Are You with Saving and the psychology of deferred gratification?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.