20 December 2010

The Here and Now Concept

Something I constantly talk about with clients is a little concept I like to call Here and Now. It’s pretty simple, and it’s really useful at the holidays when there’s an abundance of treats — some delicious and unique, some cookie-cutter (pun totally intended) and not as tasty.

Here’s how the Here and Now Concept works. All you have to ask yourself is, “Can I eat this food only HERE and NOW? Or could I easily eat it tomorrow, or next week, or next month?” If the answer to the question is “only here and now,” then you should probably at least sample whatever it is (if it’s appealing to you)! If the answer is that you could easily eat the food tomorrow or next month, it’s probably a good time to hold out for better treats.

Here’s what I mean. Say your coworker brings in doughnuts that he made himself. He only makes them once a year at the holidays because they’re not easy to make. He says they’re really special and don’t taste anything like the doughnuts you can get at Dunkin’.

If you like doughnuts and are hungry enough to eat one, by all means, DO IT!! These doughnuts are DEFINITELY hear and now treats.

However, if your coworker brings in doughnuts from Dunkin’ Donuts (or whatever run-of-the-mill store), which — though they might be covered in holiday-themed frosting — you can pretty much get anywhere, consider saving yourself for a more special treat.

Treats are SO abundant this time of year that you really do get to be more selective about what you indulge in. Store-bought cookies, candy, and cake USUALLY aren’t worth it (unless it happens to be your favorite store-created treat or something). And there are so many treats that ARE worth it — homemade specialties that only show up once a year.

So tuck the Here and Now Concept away in the back of your head for future use. It’s guaranteed to come in handy during the next couple of weeks!