Self-Control

Doing what’s best despite short-term temptations

Strength of will

“The most important scientific discovery about self-control is that it can be taught.”

—Walter Mischel

Why does self-control matter?

Sometimes, what makes you happy right now isn’t good for you in the long run. For instance, junk food tastes great but isn’t healthy. Self-control powerfully predicts academic and professional achievement, physical and emotional well-being, positive social relationships, and financial security.

Pulse Check

Think about how your day is going. How many of these things are true?

  • I got to work right away, rather than procrastinating.
  • Instead of getting distracted while working, I stayed focused.
  • Because I planned ahead, I was prepared for what I needed to do.
  • I didn’t do things I knew I’d later regret.

How do I encourage self-control in others?

Model it. Resolve to accomplish a goal of personal significance, then talk about obstacles and your plans to overcome them. Emphasize strategies you’ve found work especially well for you: “I’m not super motivated to exercise, but I now take the stairs instead of the elevator—that’s a start!”

Celebrate it. Praise children for waiting patiently. Notice when they plan ahead: “Great job getting all your stuff organized!” Appreciate ingenuity in navigating self-control dilemmas: “Keeping your cell phone in a different room is such a clever idea!”

Enable it. Establish family rules, like no cell phones at mealtimes. Create quiet, distraction-free areas for study and work. Keep fruit on the kitchen counter and hide junk food on a high shelf.

 


About the Author

Angela Duckworth is the co-founder of Character Lab. She is also the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative. Her first book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, is a #1 New York Times best seller.


Tips

Step by Step

Think of goals as part of the journey, not the destination
View All Tips

Learn More

Understanding WOOP

Use these four steps to reach any goal
WOOP for Classrooms

WOOP for Classrooms

Declare a Wish, then contrast the positive Outcome it would bring with the negative Obstacle that stands in its way. Create a Plan to get around the obstacle.

Why You Procrastinate

It’s not about being lazy

How to Break Bad Habits

And how to form good ones
View All Resources

Character is more than just self-control.

There are many other strengths of heart, mind, and will.

LEarn more about character