A fascinating study was conducted at the University of Stamford some years ago. Four-year-old children were placed in a room, one by one, and a marshmallow was placed in front of them. Each child was told that if they didn't eat the marshmallow in fifteen minutes, they would get two; but if they ate the marshmallow in front of them, they wouldn't get another one. Two out of three kids ate the marshmallow.
Fifteen years later, there was a follow up to the study and what was found was incredible. Every child that participated in the study and hadn't eaten the marshmallow was successful and many of the children who had eaten the marshmallow were not doing well at all. Some had dropped out of school, others were not making good grades, and others still were very much in debt.
The conclusion of the study was that people who are able to delay gratification have a much better chance of being successful in life. There are marshmallow eaters and marshmallow resisters in our society, but the eaters outnumber the resisters three to one.
This principle is perhaps the only success principle that can be applied by anyone. If in the past you were like me and would've eaten the marshmallow right away it is time to change and resist. We have a future to build. Let's learn from our mistakes and follow the lead of the successful people.
Fifteen years later, there was a follow up to the study and what was found was incredible. Every child that participated in the study and hadn't eaten the marshmallow was successful and many of the children who had eaten the marshmallow were not doing well at all. Some had dropped out of school, others were not making good grades, and others still were very much in debt.
The conclusion of the study was that people who are able to delay gratification have a much better chance of being successful in life. There are marshmallow eaters and marshmallow resisters in our society, but the eaters outnumber the resisters three to one.
This principle is perhaps the only success principle that can be applied by anyone. If in the past you were like me and would've eaten the marshmallow right away it is time to change and resist. We have a future to build. Let's learn from our mistakes and follow the lead of the successful people.
10 comments:
Thank you sir!!You are so right I am ready for change,to be successful,to change our lives and to be teachable.Work now for rewards. We'll get in the future!
Thank you Sir!this blog is a refreshing and great way to learn(what should be common sense)the Ideas to become successful.Again thank you for your time Sir!.
Jim said..."Thank you for yet another clarification. I've got to stop eating up my marshmallows."
I am becoming more and more of the Marshmallow Resister!! Great story.. thank you
Thank you for this lesson on remembering to continue to be a "resister" in all aspects of my life.
Brilliant! I am a marshmallow resister!!! Lol. Thank you!
Thank you. I need to work hard on this.Love marshmellows.The point is well made. Thank you
Wow. That is so amazing. I like getting 2 rather than one in anything any day. Thank you for the insight. BEST, MarkMDC
Interesting study. Need to work on waiting for 2 marshmallows, but know I can do it.
earleene said, I'm only a week old with this business and so excited to around such positive people. thank you sir for being so right. I am so ready to get going.
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