There’s a fascinating study that famous psychologist, Walter Mischel, did with a group of 4-year-olds.
He put a marshmallow in front of each of them.
And told them… if they could wait for 20 minutes without eating it… they could have a second marshmallow. And eat them both.
But if they ate that first marshmallow. That was the only one they got.
Some waited. Others gave in.
Years later they followed up on those kids.
Guess what?
The ones who were able to wait patiently for that second marshmallow…
Had become much more successful. Across all areas of their lives.
We’re talking… better relationships, better finances, more mentally agile. The list went on.
This is the point when past Chris might have curled up in a corner, whining about his sorry life.
Because I was an “eat the marshmallow at first sight” kid (and adult).
But… know what?
Change is possible.
VERY possible.
It might be painful.
And take time to leave bad habits behind. And form new ones.
But possible.
A lot of it comes down to the stories we tell ourselves.
Our self-talk.
I’m being reminded about that, while re-reading Napoleon Hill’s classic book, Think and Grow Rich.
Where he talks about autosuggestion. And programming your subconscious mind by using words, endowed with emotion.
Now… that’s not the whole deal. And might sound woo-woo or crackpot with my limited explanation here.
But the idea is…
If you tell yourself you’re useless. A failure. Never going to make it.
Then guess what’s gonna happen?
But if you’re determined…
And tell yourself you can do it. Tell yourself you’re going to make it. That you’re going to succeed.
Guess what?
I think it’s fair to say…
Success won’t be on the horizon if you’re NOT believing it’s coming.
So…
I’m learning from some wise 4-year-olds today.
And telling myself I can wait for that second marshmallow.
That being patient in my life is worth it.
Believing that I will reach my goals.
Telling myself that I will.
And knowing I’ll soon see the marshmallow delivery truck turn into my street!
😋
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Chris Milham