Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Essentials|December 2015

When it comes to making resolutions, you’ve either got the willpower or you haven’t, right? Wrong, says Claudia Connell, who discovered she could learn self-control – and then went on to lose 25 kilos.

Claudia Connell
Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Every Christmas was the same as a child: I’d wait until my  parents were in bed, then  tiptoe around the house,  turning the place upside down  looking everywhere for my presents.  It was an action that left my sister bewildered. She couldn’t understand why I’d want to ruin the wonderful surprises that were coming my way – but she’s also someone who’d make her Easter eggs last until her birthday in June, while I scoffed mine in 24 hours. When we shared a flat in our 20s, she’d eat half a bag of sweets and put the rest in the cupboard for another day, something I’ve never achieved in the 48 years of my life.

Marshmallow man

Can I ever change? Walter Mischel thinks so. He’s the eminent psychologist who, 50 years ago, pioneered what became known as the Marshmallow Test. He selected a group of four- and five-year-olds and put marshmallows in front of them. They were told they could eat a marshmallow if they liked, but if they could resist for 15 minutes, they could have two marshmallows.

A third of the children were able to hold out, but two-thirds found the temptation too great (no prizes for guessing which group I’d be in). The children were subsequently tracked throughout their lives, and what was immediately apparent was that those with the stronger willpower fared better in life; they went further in education, earned more, were in better health and even had more successful relationships.

Denne historien er fra December 2015-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2015-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ESSENTIALSSe alt
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020