Stanford University’s Marshmallow Experiment from the 1960’s highlights why we should care about developing this skill in ourselves and in those we work with and lead. In Stanford’s study, children were given the choice between a marshmallow they could eat immediately, and a larger reward (such as several marshmallows) for which they would have to wait alone, for up to 20 minutes, before consuming. Decades later, follow-up research found that children who had waited for the latter generally fared better in life, including higher SAT scores and healthier lifestyles.
Assuming we agree as to why delayed gratification is important,
the question is how?