The Expectation of Instant Effect
Pleasure, emotion, and relaxation are mediated by the vegetative systems. That is, they can happen reliably but they do not happen instantly. Thought on the other hand, happens virtually instantly. Perhaps that alone leads thought to be valued above natural or biological processes. Thought also, for those so inclined, is necessary to gain power, and since we live in a power-centric culture, thought is often considered the end all.
Any adult or teenager of course understands intellectually that most processes occur over time. But where there has been danger or emotional deprivation, processes are not trusted. There are three body/mind processes that seek to overcome time and create an illusory mental feeling of immediate okayness or promise. All these tendencies dampen feeling and contact. They interfere with growth because they keep the person from simply letting a process work. Often a recommended process is distrusted, because "can't be sure its working."
- A Rush to the Goal This is the internal state behind endgaining Once a goal is conceived it becomes imperitive to have in mind all the steps to achieve it. Planning may be elaborate or simple, but any complication in the plans is very distressing. Other activities, whether important or satisfying, or previously rushed toward, are set aside. Unrelated social interaction or contact is often seen as an interruption. Behavior may be frantic, and actions are usually clumsy physically and perhaps also clumsy mentally.
- Power and Control This is the attempt to ensure an outcome by limiting the responses and choices of others. The idea is, if one has the power and control, to think of doing something is the same as it being done. Power of control in this sense could include coercion, but also consist of urgent wheedling or persausion, a strong tendency to assert 'what is right', or even illusion.
- Ceaseless Evaluation This is the seeking of quick or instant reassurance that a course of action will reach the intended goal. Evidence is sought almost immediately and ongoingly, that reflects whether the goal is being closed in upon. Usually, the present is compared to an image of what the end is supposed to look like. This is particularly ill-suited to feeling and purpose work, since imitating an image always decreases feeling and undermines true sense of purpose.