We all have those points in our lives where we try to control our urges. Whether it's to eat that extra piece of cake, to drink that extra beer or whatever else, urges are something we can all relate to.
But when it comes to urges, some of us are able to control them while some of us are not. So what exactly is it that differentiates those who succeed from those who fail? Most would say self control is the main determining factor, but researchers are starting to realize that what really makes the difference between success and failure isn't self control at all — it's the belief in self control.
People mistakenly believe that there are two types of people: those who have self control and those who don't. Really, there are two types of people: those who believe it is an attainable trait and those who believe it is an inherited one. Those who exemplify self control tend to believe that it is a trait that anyone can acquire, while those who struggle with self control tend to attribute it to genetics. Do their behaviors cause their beliefs or do their beliefs cause their behaviors?
There is new, emerging research, specifically from the psychologists Anirban Mukhopadhyay and Gita Johar, showing that the amount of self control you have is not only correlated with your mentality on its acquisition, but it is actually influenced by it.
It has been shown that if you view self control as a dynamic, ever-changing trait, you will display more of it. But if you view it as a fixed, inherited trait, you will display less of it. Not only is your level of self control affected, but the effort you put into pursuing your goals is affected as well.
If you believe it is inherited, your genes become a scapegoat for your failure, which will inevitability lead to minimized effort. If you believe it is self-acquired, you will use that as extra motivation for your success.
So next time you blame genetics for your lack of self control and find yourself falling back into the "it's just not who I am" mentality, consciously stop and remind yourself that you are the creator of who you are.
People underestimate the power of belief and its influence on action. Self control isn't a fixed trait and neither are your beliefs. Change one and you'll change the other.
Posts in Gator Minds appear on Mondays.
