I like your grandfather's attitude. That's one of things I also changed in recent times, is sleeping and waking habits. I find I achieve so much more when I start out early in the day. The daily habits are crucial to one's success.
“You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” ― John C. Maxwell
Ever since I have taken that to heart, I have step by step been turning my life around.
Yes, I think you have nailed it by linking the tendency of instant gratification to the fiction of video / film entertainment. Advertising is a big culprit also. The lines are blurred between entertainment and advertising these days. People's inadequacies are preyed upon to sell more.
"Oh, not successful yet? Then purchase our product / service for an instant fix."