A two-decade experimental study was conducted to determine the correlation between self-control among toddlers and the toddlers' success later in life. The experiment was simple but straightforward. A group of preschool children were brought in a playroom where a bowl of sweets can be found on top of a table. The children were asked not to take any candy until the teacher or facilitator returns after a few minutes. The children were being monitored via one-way mirror and their behaviors recorded on video.
The pioneering work is now better known as the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment. The experiment was started in 1960's and 1970's at Stanford University.
Similar experiments were conducted on other groups of children from different places and backgrounds. As expected, some children followed the instructions and were able to have some self-control. Some were easily tempted to take sweets from the bowl and even tried to lie about it. After two decades, the participants in the psychological experiments were tracked down and evaluated.
Those who showed self-control as toddlers were generally more successful than their counterparts. Majority of them performed well in school, were better socially adapted, and were able to have good jobs. Most of them became responsible parents. Meanwhile, those who have demonstrated weaker level of self-control were less successful. The experiment gave insights on the correlation between delayed self gratification and success.
Unfortunately, people who have low capacity for self-control are proportionately greater than those who have good self-control. This is reflected in demographic and economic data. Although there are other factors that determine success, self-control or the capacity to delay the urge for self-gratification is a crucial factor.
Here are some tips on how to practice delayed gratification:
Think long-term - Setting goals should include long-term or lifelong goals such as stable careers and family life. These long-term goals can provide individuals with the focus and direction. All others are minor details and some are mere distractions. Long-term goals will help people avoid unproductive things and strive for things that are worthwhile to pursue.
Sacrifice minor pleasures -- Minor pleasures are hedonistic distractions that have short-term benefits that potentially could have serious consequences. Case in point is going out with friends to get drunk the night before a major college examination. Getting drunk the night before may result in flunking the exam. There will be other and more appropriate time to spend with friends.
Plan to enjoy - Short-term pleasures such as going to the movies, going to a spa or going to a picnic are not necessarily bad distractions. They can take away stress and help people re-focus. The important thing is that engaging in these short-term pleasures should not interfere with the more important things such as work. They should be properly scheduled and may be used as incentive to accomplish important tasks for the week.
Take responsibilities - A person who has important obligations or responsibilities tend to be less susceptible to unimportant distractions. For example, a team leader in a project is less likely to be idle at work if he or she has subordinates who are dependent on him or her. Even ordinary employees can be responsible enough without necessarily becoming leaders or managers. Understanding the importance of the duties and responsibilities will help.
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