3 ms·

I think that the research shows that self-discipline (or delayed gratification) is the single best indicator of future success in life. http://jamesclear.com/d

• facepalm 11y ago
  Often when the Marshmallow study is being quoted, they leave out half of the story. Which is that the kids who managed to not eat the Marshmallow didn't do it via iron discipline. They managed it by distracting themselves with other things (for example reciting poems or whatever). So maybe it was more about imagination than self discipline. Or you could say it was about self discipline, but self discipline is not what we traditionally think it is.
  • crusso 11y ago
    It doesn't matter what coping techniques they used. What matters is that they accomplished the task in a way that showed increased discipline. Additionally, the marshmallow study isn't the only research that shows this effect.
• learnstats2 11y ago
  That same page shows that displaying self-discipline/delayed gratification as a child depends on whether people who have authority over you act in a reliably honest way.