In the early 1960s, psychologists set up a deceptively simple test to explore willpower. A child was offered one marshmallow now or two marshmallows if they waited 15 minutes. It became legendary as the Stanford marshmallow experiment—a vivid demonstration of how self-control influences long-term outcomes. Over time, researchers found that the ability to delay gratification at age four or five often predicts better health, stronger academic performance, and more stable relationships in adulthood. This article delves into the heart of the Stanford marshmallow experiment: how it was designed, what we’ve learned from it, why it still matters, and how you … Continue reading The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment: Why Self–Control Shapes Success