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Present a child with a single marshmallow, tell them that they could have instant gratification by eating one there and then, or wait until an adult returns, and receive two instead.
This test, carried out in the 1960’s spawned a raft of experiments designed to promote the benefits of self-control. Those children who waited for two sweets, were reported as less likely to succumb to obesity, and more likely to succeed at college, among an array of other positive outcomes. Interestingly, few other studies were able to replicate psychologist, Walter Mischel’s, results.
From then on, behaviour modification became more popular than ever. It was essential to manage expectations, rein in our tempers at work, become martyrs for the good of society, forsaking our own happiness in the process. These draconian measures are so entrenched, almost anyone who strays even a little from the path of self-control is instantly labelled as a deviant.
But who wins in this cycle of restrictions?
Self-control as a behaviour management tool is a successful construct, since it relies on an individual’s fear of failure, societal shaming and the retention of a favourable reputation. People go to extreme lengths in this limiting environment, working 18 hour days, multitasking until health collapses and exhaustion erodes every synapse in…