Is self-control one of key elements that determines one’s ability to be a good student and successful in other areas? And if so, can this self-control be taught? A series of research studies over the years have delivered some interesting results. It started with a Marshmallow test.
A researcher then made [4 year-old Carolyn an offer: she could either eat one marshmallow right away or, if she was willing to wait while he stepped out for a few minutes, she could have two marshmallows when he returned. He said that if she rang a bell on the desk while he was away he would come running back, and she could eat one marshmallow but would forfeit the second. Then he left the room.
… the children who rang the bell quickly, seemed more likely to have behavioral problems, both in school and at home. They got lower S.A.T. scores. They struggled in stressful situations, often had trouble paying attention, and found it difficult to maintain friendships. The child who could wait fifteen minutes had an S.A.T. score that was, on average, two hundred and ten points higher than that of the kid who could wait only thirty seconds.
… the crucial skill was the strategic allocation of attention. Instead of getting obsessed with the marshmallow—the “hot stimulus”—the patient children distracted themselves by covering their eyes, pretending to play hide-and-seek underneath the desk, or singing songs from Sesame Street. Their desire wasn’t defeated—it was merely forgotten.
I must be a mixed bag when it comes to self-control. On one hand, I love streaks and I haven’t had a soda for more than 18 months mostly because I want to keep the streak alive. On the other hand, after reading this article, I am pretty sure we’re having s’mores at my house tonight.
Ok, so how long can you wait before reading this article? And believe me, it’s good. Real good. Tick. Tick. Tick.
