The Marshmallow Test: Becoming Your Own Master
Posted on Jun 4, 2012 | 19 comments
So what is the secret to living the life of your dreams and escaping your drudged-out routine? Well, it might just be a bit of self-control.
Have you ever heard of the Marshmallow Test?
Back in 1972 an experiment was done at Stanford University that tested the self-control of young children. In the experiment, each child is given a marshmallow to enjoy at their leisure. However, if the child is able to sit in front of the marshmallow for 15 minutes without eating it, they will then be given a second marshmallow to enjoy. Torture I know, but the results are very interesting.
The children of the original experiment were followed for 18 years after the test was performed. What the scientists discovered was that the kids who were able to find ways to resist the temptation of the marshmallow were significantly more successful in life than those who instantly gave in and gobbled up the marshmallow. They were more stable, had better grades in school, were more popular, stayed out of trouble, etc . . .
Now I don't think the study in any way suggests that one's success in life can be predicted by a decision to eat a marshmallow at 4 years old, but there is something to be said about the relationship between self-control and our ability to be "successful" in life.
Check out this video. Besides being hilarious, it says a lot.
You Are Your Master
I believe that pretty much everyone out there wants to doing something big with their life - but it ain't easy. There is so much temptation. So much instant gratification. Look at the way we buy houses, cars, coffee. The way we abuse credit and food and liquor. I'm by no means a saint when it comes to this stuff. I am a NOW guy - give it to me! But I know that what I may want NOW won't get me what I really want LATER.
This whole idea of "escaping" that we have been going through really doesn't have much to do with travel. You don't have to travel to use less, or spend more time with your kids, or read a book. You don't have to get all adventurous to change. But you do have to show a little restraint! No point in using less if you can't stop taking on more.
Escaping is all about deferred gratification. I'm all for living in the moment, but not if that moment is going to lead me down a short path of regret and keep me from my dream.
I think the rules of escape are simple:
- Get rid of your crap.
- Pay back what you owe.
- Stop impulsively taking on burdens.
- Start doing the things you really care about every day.
- Learn to be truly open to what happens next.
That is it. This is Escape. And all of this begins with self-control.
Now, go grab that Marshmallow and see what you're made of. You know you want to.
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another thing about that marshmallow - you can't listen to others.
great article!!
wandering educators recently posted..Traveling to Oahu? 10 Ways to Make Your Trip More Authentic
True enough! Thanks Jessie!
Oh no! Do you know how many marshmallows I grabbed and devoured at our last campfire? I'm in so much trouble!!!
No, you're alright. Campfires don't count! Try it in Vegas and see how you do.
Justin,
Great article.
I couldn't agree more with your definition of escape!
We're not trying to escape reality, or escape our responsibilities. Rather, we are working on escaping the tyranny of the urgent and immediate gratification and commercialism.
Here's to freedom!
Mike Routen recently posted..Find The Courage To Follow Your Heart
Thanks Mike. Escape the fast lane and take it slow. That's the idea. Do what you really want! Escape!
Love this post - and the video was hilarious! Discipline really is paramount to implementing change in life. Thank you for this inspirational reminder!
Nora - The Professional Hobo recently posted..A Week-In-The-Life of Jari: Helping Turtles in Costa Rica
Oh, the one poor kid just couldn't stand it anymore - but he did it! Discipline is certainly key! Thanks Nora!
Wow. Its like you read my mind I was just thinking about that test the other day while braiding my children's hair. Since my children are half black and we've decided to have their hair long I am cornrowing it once a week. This requires both my boys to sit still for about 2 hours while I braid their hair. If they let me finish they are rewarded with a new toy. The trick is they both have to get finished before they can have the new toy. I'm hoping it will also teach them that if you are patient you will be rewarded. One of my sons. . the three year old will sit the entire time without moving and the other one. . . well we do it in increments. We've only used the toy once so far so I'm excited to see how it will go this week.
Also thanks for the video. . .it cracked me up.
It's good life skill building. It's really hard to see the correlation between patience and saying "no" at such a young age, but it is there. all kids are different, but a little patience never hurt anybody. I suppose if they can take braiding their hair, they can do marshmallows with ease!
I've heard various themes of the marshmallow test. I have also been cruel enough to try it out of my kids... happily so far most of them go for the delayed gratification... Their mother on the other hand ...
Amy recently posted..Lucky Bay – One of Australia’s Best Beaches?
Maggie could have sat their all day. Sam had know hesitation. We video them. They loved it!
I think the parents should get a free pass!
This is great! It is so hard to break away from the instant gratification that is on offer at all times! Working on getting better at it. I really want to try this with my five year old for entertainment purposes!
Rose Townsend recently posted..Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival in Milton, Delaware
I did it, and they loved it. We made a video of it!
Keep working Rose!
The problem is, we all have our own marshmallows. I mean, everyone struggles with a different something that ties them down or holds them back. I could leave a bag of marshmallows on the table all day, but put out some dark chocolate truffles and I would have to take a bite or two (simply in the name of quality control).
Same thing when it comes to escape. We all have a slightly different version of what we want to escape from and what we want to escape to. But you are right...the core of it is the ability to hold out for the good thing, whatever that may be for each person.
Bingo! The trick is knowing your Marshmallows and finding a balance with them. Who knew a Marshmallow could solve everything!
Thanks Rose!
great idea! I will try this test to my nephews and nieces too, This would really test if they could be tempted that quick. Thanks for sharing! would really be try worthy!
Zaida Yap recently posted..Forex Indikatoren
My friends and I constantly tell each other, "Don't eat the marshmallow!" when one of us is procrastinating studying. It really is difficult when it's right in front of you!
Megan @ Roamancing recently posted..Roamancing Egyptian Satellite TV in Marsa Alam
Temptation, self control, restrain!!!!!
Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap! Everyone can relate to this. I'm afraid I would be one of the kids who eats the damn thing right away. Wisdom is not enough, we need patience!
Eddy Baez recently posted..If you can dream it, we can draw it!