Dickens Process for success; Enjoying the present vs sacrificing the present for a better future

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I learned about the Dickens Process, a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) process that asks you to look at your entire life and identify moments that shape how you interact today.

(Location 142 - Kindle version)

The Dickens Process is based on the character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’s novella, A Christmas Carol. In the story, Scrooge meets a ghost on Christmas morning who shows him what his future could be if he doesn’t change his current bad behavior (and limiting beliefs). This causes so much pain for Scrooge that he decides to change his ways—and his life—forever. Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame uses the Dickens Process for decision making. In an interview, he was asked why he is so successful. He told them when it comes to decisions, he thinks about his life as an eighty-year-old man. He then chooses the option that will minimize regrets.

(Location 151 - Kindle version)


Most of the times we hear people advising to work hard today and sacrifice the joys of the present for a better future. But is it really worth to sacrifice the known present for an unknown future? On the other hand, will it be worthy to be penniless and unsuccessful when you are old just because the only things that you collected while you were young are beautiful and joyful memories?

[Rowan The-First]

I think you can do both at the same time, you get joyful memories at the same time doing something that can benefit you in your future. The good thing is not to get obsessed with one but learn to balance both of them.

[Jessica Cole 3]

I learned about the Dickens Process, a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) process that asks you to look at your entire life and identify moments that shape how you interact today.

(Location 142 - Kindle version)

The Dickens Process is based on the character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’s novella, A Christmas Carol. In the story, Scrooge meets a ghost on Christmas morning who shows him what his future could be if he doesn’t change his current bad behavior (and limiting beliefs). This causes so much pain for Scrooge that he decides to change his ways—and his life—forever. Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame uses the Dickens Process for decision making. In an interview, he was asked why he is so successful. He told them when it comes to decisions, he thinks about his life as an eighty-year-old man. He then chooses the option that will minimize regrets.

(Location 151 - Kindle version)


Most of the times we hear people advising to work hard today and sacrifice the joys of the present for a better future. But is it really worth to sacrifice the known present for an unknown future? On the other hand, will it be worthy to be penniless and unsuccessful when you are old just because the only things that you collected while you were young are beautiful and joyful memories?

I tend to use the Dickens method in my own life, but I didn't know it was a method. I simply choose the option that would enable me to not regret things. If I reach for the stars and I fall flat on my face, at least the question has been answered. I won't be an elderly woman wondering what would have happened if I had had the courage to move forward. However, part of my decision-making is to ensure that I'm not an elderly woman with nothing to show for my time on this earth. I want to enjoy life, but not act in such a manner that I'm penniless when I need money the most. I don't believe in waiting until retirement to "enjoy" life as you're now too old and decrepit to do the things you want to enjoy. Yet, I also don't believe you should blow all your money when you're young as the ability to earn money significantly decreases past a certain age. People should enjoy life some, and also plan for the future some.

[Susan Sadiq]

I think the best way to solve the problem is to do both. Tomorrow isn't promised and the best thing we can do is to ĺive life fully today. I enjoy these types of discussions as it helps one to expand the mind.

[Naghma Qureshi]

I think you can do both at the same time, you get joyful memories at the same time doing something that can benefit you in your future. The good thing is not to get obsessed with one but learn to balance both of them.

I agree. Moderation is the key. Excessive involvement in work or in pleasure would result in discontent at some point in time. The key to happiness lies in prioritization with balance in mind.

[Kenneth Onyenwe]

I am an advocate for Moderation we can't be smart enough to always predict the future future and then defer gratification. Enjoying the present and sacrificing for the future should go in line with moderation.

[Sharill Rasowo]

A balance is what I would aim for. I want to be successful but not at the expense of not enjoying my life or regretting it in the end. The Dickens process sounds quite useful in doing this as it helps you assess what your values are and what you want to achieve in your life without ending your life with regrets.

[Rupali Mishra]

I believe it is possible to combine the two activities simultaneously, creating happy memories while also working on things that will help you in the long run. It's best to learn to balance the two rather than become fixated on one.

[Seetha E]

A person should not limit himself to only one. We can never go back in time and can never be adequately prepared for the future. All we can manage is our present and have a balanced approach to the future. Maintaining equilibrium appears to be the most prudent course of action.

[Cristina Chifane]

The middle way is the best answer. From time to time, we need to take some time off from our busy lives and enjoy the moment, but we must also work diligently to achieve our goals.

[Aditii Mehta]

I think it's about balance. As we all know, ' All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' We should work for our future but should also enjoy our present.

[PanwarP]

I disagree that leading a successful life must be acquired through the traditional materialistic methods of toiling away and making sacrifices. As it stands, life is good. It occasionally clouds over, as is intended. To get past that, we must work hard.

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

I think there should always be a balance. Have a clear plan for the future and follow them consistently; however, we should, whole at it, often make out time to reward ourselves. No one should totally neglect themselves because of a supposed glorious future.

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

I think it's about balance. As we all know, ' All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' We should work for our future but should also enjoy our present.

That is correct. We work hard but also make out time to relax and reward our selves, even if the target is yet to be actualized.

[Bettny Andrade]

This is a topic that I consider controversial. But I think it would depend on each person.

Many always teach you about effort and perseverance, however sometimes it can make you miss out on things that are much more important while you concentrate on some goals, which really would not bring you anything fruitful when achieving them, in some cases.