The Geeky Mind

Most people equate self-control with willpower, but researchers are challenging this notion. Psychologists argue that true self-control is about planning ahead to avoid the need for willpower in the moment.

A classic example from Greek mythology highlights this idea. Odysseus, on his way home from the Trojan War, longed to hear the Sirens’ song. Knowing the danger, he devised a plan with the goddess Circe. He had his crew plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast, instructing them to ignore his pleas. This strategy allowed him to experience the Sirens’ song without succumbing to it.

The key takeaway from this myth is that planning ahead, or “tying oneself to the mast,” is the best way to achieve goals. However, not everyone agrees that such preemptive strategies qualify as self-control.

Social psychologists laud Odysseus’ approach as exemplary self-control, distinguishing it from willpower. Willpower would mean resisting the Sirens’ call without any aids. But some scientists argue that laypeople see Odysseus’ strategy as an admission of lacking self-control.

Chandra Sripada, a psychiatric neuroscientist and philosopher at the University of Michigan, points out that most people define self-control as resisting temptation in the moment, not planning to avoid it. This discrepancy between expert terminology and public understanding can lead to miscommunication, especially when experts advise on achieving New Year’s resolutions.

Statistics show that many people struggle with keeping resolutions. A significant number fail due to a perceived lack of willpower. Sripada suggests that if people understood self-control as strategic planning rather than sheer willpower, they might have more success in achieving their goals.

The term “self-control” has evolved, becoming more precise in scientific discourse but losing clarity among the public. For centuries, self-control was about resisting temptations in the moment. Only recently have scientists begun to emphasize the importance of preemptive strategies.

Research has shown that people with high self-control are not better at resisting temptation in the moment. Instead, they establish habits and routines that help them avoid temptations altogether. This led to a shift in focus from willpower to strategies like distraction or emphasizing the negative aspects of temptations.

However, this scientific distinction has not reached the general public. In studies, people rated those who resisted temptations in the moment higher in self-control than those who planned ahead. This suggests a gap between scientific findings and public perception.

This gap can hinder effective communication. If scientists want to help people adopt better self-control strategies, they need to align their terminology with common understanding. Sripada suggests that instead of redefining self-control, it might be better to find a new term for preemptive strategies.

To successfully keep your New Year’s resolutions, don’t rely solely on willpower. Instead, plan ahead and set yourself up for success. Embrace the Odysseus strategy: tie yourself to the mast and sail past temptations unscathed.