Marshmallow Test and Self-control

Marshmallow Test and Self-control

So what do marshmallows have to do with self-control and success in life?

Psychologist Walter Mischel in the late 1960’s set up an experiment with nursery school children and marshmallows. The children were given the choice between eating one marshmallow immediately or waiting 15 minutes and getting two. Some ate the marshmallow immediately but most tried to wait for two. They did all sorts of actions to try to avoid eating the marshmallow. Ultimately, about a third made it 15 minutes.

(Did You Know? If you YouTube “marshmallow test” you will see some of the children during the 15 minute wait. )

Initially, the study was about “delayed gratification” however this changed in 2006. Dr. Mischel did a follow up and found that those who had waited to receive the second marshmallow had higher SAT scores, higher GPAs at the end of college and made more money after college. They also had a lower body-mass index.

So how does this apply to us? More self-control can be achieved in a number of ways. Physically and temporally separate yourself from temptation especially eating and smoking. Get a full night’s sleep and eat a healthy diet with regular exercise. These disciplines help expand self-control. Give yourself credit for even minor successes and enlist help from family and friends.

As Adm. William McRaven stated in his 2014 commencement address to University of Texas: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

From WSJ