Children's Self-Control Predicts Future Success

TIME:

Self-control may be the secret to success, according to a persuasive new study that followed 1,000 children from birth to age 32: children who showed early signs of self-mastery were not only less likely to have developed addictions or committed a crime by adulthood, but were also healthier and wealthier than their more impulsive peers.

Read the whole story: TIME

Comments

[chakrasyoga]

06:09 PM on 03/20/2011

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/01/sing-out-clara/

my piece on Children and success

[bergerqueen]

02:58 PM on 01/26/2011

I read an article in News Week about how studies are often proven wrong in due time. I could have sworn I heard this one debunked a while back. I didn't buy it when it was first reported and was not surprised to have heard it debunked.

[french queen13]

10:11 PM on 01/25/2011

What about the socio-economic situation of these children? What of the factors completely outside their control? What about people who are self-disciplined, who work hard - but are never 'successful' (wealthy, I presume they mean)? These sorts of studies give me the creeps; they seem to push the whole "if you aren't materially wealthy, it's because you are lacking/weak/immoral" line, even if only implicitly.

[Lisbeth35]

02:08 PM on 01/26/2011

I see what you are saying, but honestly, I see the connection in a study like this. If you have an innate ability to postpone immediate gratification for long term benefits, chances are you will be able to a) save money instead of spend it (no matter income bracket) b) live within your means c) plan and prepare for major life decisions.

IMO, it isn't that you can't learn those traits, but if it is innate, it sure makes it a lot easier. What can I say? I saved my Halloween Candy, eating a piece occassionally, lasting me til Xmas; my brother at all his in 3 days then had none. Guess who has money in their retirement account as an adult?

[BlackYowe]

04:44 PM on 01/25/2011

My parents really required self control of me and I am glad they did.

[Aesthete]

02:35 PM on 01/25/2011

It's about understanding the relationship between effort/actions and reward/results. This can be taught and learned at an early age.

[BlackYowe]

04:54 PM on 01/25/2011

Self control is not easy to find in kids and it worries me. I think lack of self control and good parenting is how Giffords ended up shot. More than gun control we need self control in this nation.

[Fromageball]

09:16 PM on 01/25/2011

I don't think Jared Loughner is entirely the product of poor parenting, not to mention interviews with his high school friends portray an entirely different person than he is today.

[french queen13]

10:13 PM on 01/25/2011

If Loughner has a mental illness, as seems likely, then the matter of parental control isn't really relevant. But I take your point about impulsiveness and lack of thought for others - it's certainly not limited to the US (here, mercifully, we do have tight gun controls).

[schatsie]

09:37 PM on 01/25/2011

and exactly what are we as adults learning about effort and actions and reward and results now that we are in the Great ReDepression.......that Blankfein is making an effort that is worth more than all the teachers pay.....I don't think that is the lesson that we want our children to learn....Read Free Lunch and the Big Con....being successful seems to have more to do with the personal relationships and is TOTALLY disconnected from PRODUCTIVITY......What lessons have we adults learned in the last 30 years.....