Would you take $100 now, or wait a year and get $200?
That's one experiment a Kiwi psychology researcher has used while investigating how to help people be more self-controlled - and focus on long-term gain rather than immediate rewards.
Many of us often struggle with working towards long-term goals sometimes, whether it's studying, healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking or saving money, Victoria University PhD student Rebecca Olsen said.
"Delayed rewards are a contributor to many impulsive behaviours such as student procrastination, gambling and drug abuse," she said.
"For example, when students procrastinate they are choosing a smaller, immediate reward, such as watching television, over larger rewards that are received in the future, like getting a good grade.