Maybe you resist the temptation to eat another cookie or send a text message while driving.
Studies show that childhood willpower may predict willpower in adult life — particularly when it comes to emotional situations.
The value of self control was captured in psychologist Walter Mischel’s 1970 famous test. Mischel placed preschoolers in front of a marshmallow and gave them a choice: they could eat it right away, or wait 15 minutes and get second one.
Despite the obvious benefit, two thirds of the children devoured the first marshmallow within a few minutes. Meanwhile, those who delayed their gratification were more likely, as teenagers, to have stronger self control, handle stress more effectively, and even score higher on the SAT.
40 years after the marshmallow test....
In 2011, B.J. Casey at Cornell University assessed willpower in nearly 60 people from Mischel’s original study. They found that participants with higher self control as children still exhibited higher self control as adults. And those who couldn’t wait for the second marshmallow — over 40 years ago — still had lower self control.
Research suggests that willpower is like a muscle. It gets fatigued when exercised — but also may get stronger the more you use it. Some researchers have found that just 2 weeks of willpower training can result in improved performance on self control assessments. This is why most diets are hardest in the first two weeks and why classroom management is hardest the first two weeks ....ahhhh it all makes senses now..... why I might share this with you...... Teachers YOU have WILLPOWER to persevere!
There is still much study to be done of the reasons behind willpower. But next time you find yourself short on self control, especially in emotional situations, remember that you can always find ways to improve. You’re always stronger than you think.
