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Self-control running low?



Canadian researchers Michael Inzlicht and Jennifer N. Gutsell recently published a study about self-control in the journal Psychological Science. They hooked 40 people up to EEGs and had them watch animal snuff films - "a disturbing wildlife documentary" is how that summary puts it. Half of them were asked not to show any emotion, while the other half weren't given any instructions. They just had to watch.

Then, both groups were given a fast-paced color-matching test - one that depended on a certain level of willpower to complete. The emotionally suppressed group flunked. Whatever kind of fuel willpower burns, they'd run out of it.

The researchers conclude: "People have a limited amount of self-control, and tasks requiring controlled, willful action quickly deplete this central resource. Exerting self-control on one task impairs performance on subsequent tasks requiring the same resource."

So if I want to get anything done, I'd better marshal my reserves carefully. There's a more cheerful note, however. You can get more self-control by practicing, and by thinking things through.

As summarized in that article....

Though we have a shallow and finite reserve of willpower, self-control can improve over time, much like a muscle can be trained. The trick is knowing how to train your will. Simply slowing down and thinking clearly about an impulse (rather than reflexively giving in or denying it) can build self-control, says Inzlicht.

Setting specific self-control goals also works the control muscle.

Small goals, I guess. I suppose even reading these words right here is a step in the right direction.

If you've got academic access, here's the full text of the study "Running on Empty: Neural Signals for Self-Control Failure".

Ellis Benus's picture

People's Non-Self Controlled Purchases

I learned the hard way that making any purchase without just sitting and thinking about it for a few minutes is a terrible idea.

A pack of gum is not a bad idea, but a house or vehicle purchase made under stress or hurried is always bad.

Currently I'm searching for my dream truck. A 1973-1978 model Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup. I have to remind myself that these trucks are a dime a dozen and not to get pressured or sped into anything.

Slow down, think, and you're self control muscle will beef up.




An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


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