The Pitfall Of Short-termism

The idea that tomorrow will sort itself out, so it isn't paid much consideration in the present is something that's becoming more prevalent, especially in the higher hierarchies.

Most government institutions and some corporations work with this premise when it comes to solving today's problems, they find the most efficient or effective way to solve a problem now and then get it done without thinking about what the future consequences will be.

I get it, we can make the argument that the present is all we have and it's more important than the future. But it's good to also remember that, the present is fleeting, in the sense that it is not a fixed state. Why not spend time curing the wound than merely putting a band-aid on it?

In a nutshell, short-termism is the idea and practice of not taking the future or long term consequences into consideration when dealing with present situations.

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Appease Today's Demands But Ignore Tomorrow's Consequences

On a global level, it seems humanity often suffers from what could be likened as parental short-sightedness, which could mean making decisions for immediate relief instead of long term stability.

Taking the analogy of a parent and a child, the latter throws a tantrum for a mountain of sugary candy. The parent, desperate for peace and quiet, caves in, ignoring the potential consequences of a sugar addiction and long-term dental issues.

Similarly, our leaders too often choose short term solutions to appease today's demands but ignore tomorrow's consequences.

For example, in my part of the world, many rainforests are being cleared for agriculture or timber, especially for the latter and exported to foreign countries.

This may provide short-term economic gains but the long-term environmental damages like disrupted ecosystems and biodiversity loss is never taken into account by these government individuals who allow it.

In economics, there's this concept of kicking the can down the road on certain aspects of the system such as budget deficits. Delaying tough decisions on addressing budget deficits through temporary measures like borrowing may provide short-term relief, but it also accumulates debt and burdens future generations with more economic hardship.

This short-termism, be it in economics or environmental stewardship, fails to lay down the strong foundation needed for enduring prosperity.

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Individualism And Short-termism

On an individual level, instant gratification has cultivated a culture of 'want it now' where convenience reigns supreme.

We crave solutions that are effortless and immediate, which tempts us with opting for shortcuts that offer fleeting satisfaction but lasting consequences.

This myopic lens through which we view the world, fixated on instant wins and results is an effect of short-termism. And it inadvertently leads to sacrificing sustainable progress for quick fixes that might provide temporary relief but ultimately undermine long-term goals and individual growth.

While on a global level, the pitfall of short-termism is the inability to create needed foundation for enduring prosperity. On the individual level, it is the inability to achieve sustainable and progressive growth.

Akin to getting stuck in a cycle of reaction, constantly playing catch up without ever initiating.


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