How to Make Smarter Choices: A Look at the Marshmallow Study ⏳
Issue #56 — Mastering the Art of Delayed Gratification. A Useful Browser Extension for ChatGPT. Success is Daily Practice.
If you like reading this, feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏
💡 Here are 3-tips to help you learn, grow, and be inspired this week!
🎓 Learn
Have you ever found yourself giving in to immediate pleasure instead of waiting for a more valuable reward later?
You're not alone.
Understanding the psychology behind this can be a game-changer in achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life.
Walter Mischel’s famous "Marshmallow Experiment" is a study that shines a light on the concept of delayed gratification and self-control.
Understanding this can totally change your game in these ways:
Secure your future wealth.
Find the sweet spot in work-life balance.
Be more productive.
The Study
Walter Mischel, a psychologist at Stanford University, conducted this experiment in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The premise was simple: A child was placed in a room and given one marshmallow. They were told that if they could wait for 15 minutes without eating the first marshmallow, they would get a second one.
Sounds easy? Well, it wasn't for most kids. The struggle they faced, caught on camera, was both funny and revealing.
The results are interesting.
Kids who waited for the second marshmallow were tracked down years later, and guess what?
They were generally doing better in life—better grades, healthier lifestyles, and more career success.
Also, don’t get this wrong, “Waiting is not always the best choice.”
The key message here is that we should assess our daily choices and decisions carefully. Especially the one that gives quick, short-term happiness, but we end up paying a higher price later.
It will be easy to understand this concept if you have read the “Investor vs. Borrower” mindset on earlier issues.
How Can This Study Enhance Your Life?
Secure Your Future Wealth: Just like the kids resisting the marshmallow for a greater future reward, you can exercise self-control in financial matters. Instead of splurging on instant gratifications, save and invest wisely for a more secure and lucrative future.
Achieving Work-Life Balance: Delaying gratification isn't just about waiting; it's about balance. By practicing self-control, you can better manage your time, resulting in a harmonious work-life balance. This way, you'll enjoy your downtime without worrying about tasks hanging over your head.
Better Productivity: When working on a project, it's easy to give in to distractions. The Marshmallow Experiment teaches us that self-control can lead to better productivity. Resist the urge to scroll through social media and focus on the task at hand; the rewards will be much sweeter.
Key Takeaways:
By applying this principle in various aspects of life, we not only secure a better future but also live a more fulfilling present.
So, next time the world seems to be moving too fast, or you're tempted to snatch that "quick marshmallow," remember—good things come to those who wait. That mindset can totally revamp your approach to life and personal growth.
(If you want to dig deeper into this experiment, here is a full study.)
🚀 Grow
If you try to ask ChatGPT, “What were the highlights of the Apple WWDC 2023 event?”
ChatGPT will tell you that it only has access to events before 2021 or something like that.
This browser extension that works with ChatGPT will help you get the data and answers from more recent events on the web + more.
🤩 Inspire
I love this quote as it emphasizes the power of a growth routine. The importance of focusing on building daily habits that lead you to desired success.
Until next time, keep aiming for those stars!
May the Peaceful Growth be with you! 🪴
