Resisting short-term temptations can lead to long-term regret.
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January 16, 2020
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Summary. An ability to override short-term impulses that conflict with long-term goals is a hallmark of successful people.But is resisting temptation always beneficial? A small but growing body of research has begun to illuminate a dark side of self-control.Self-control can restrict emotional experiences. It can lead to long-term regret. It can lead to burnout. It can lead to ethical transgressions and discrimination.Self-control is an important tactic for reaching one’s goals. However, instead of treating self-control as the sole determinant of happiness and success, we need to view it in the broader context of the self in a more holistic way.
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An ability to override short-term impulses that conflict with long-term goals is a hallmark of successful people. Research has shown that people with strong self-control have better health, relationships, finances, and careers. They are also less likely to have problems with overeating, overspending, smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, procrastination, and unethical behavior. Overcoming temptation also seems to be intrinsically rewarding — people with high self-control are also more satisfied with their lives and experience their lives as more meaningful.
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MK Michail D. Kokkoris is an assistant professor in the Department of Marketing at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business
OS Olga Stavrova is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Psychology at Tilburg University.
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