Emotional Intelligence for Success

Self-control, or the ability to postpone a short-term reward in favor of a higher future payoff, is a definitive gauge of success, as social psychologist Walter Mischel proved. His marshmallow test found a link between kids’ individual abilities to delay momentary pleasure in lieu of future rewards and later personal success. Each subject could choose to eat one marshmallow immediately or to resist for a period of time in order to earn a second marshmallow. Those who sacrificed instant pleasure for future gains exhibited greater success later in life: They performed better academically, enjoyed healthier relationships, saved more money and accrued...