NOT THINKING ABOUT THE MARSHMALLOW. Even four year olds can be taught techniques–tricks–that can improve their self control. The four year olds that have more will power already have some of those techniques. They know how to direct their attention in a different direction. The four year olds who cover their eyes with their hands or sing songs to help resist the tempattion know the trick. As Professor Mischel says, ““If you’re thinking about the marshmallow and how delicious it is, then you’re going to eat it. The key is to avoid thinking about it in the first place.”
This is so true. Focus is the key not only to successful dieting but to the preservation of one’s sanity.
[...] ATTENTION TO A DOT. I posted here about the difficulty four year olds have in not paying attention to a marshmallow. In this article [...]