The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: ARE YOU TOO
FARSIGHTED FOR YOUR OWN GOOD?

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Do you have a hard time taking a break from work because there is always more to do? Do you
feel so guilty or anxious about spending money that you find it hard to purchase anything beyond
the absolute basics? Do you ever look back at how you have spent your time and money, and
wish you had been more focused on your present happiness instead of always putting it off? If
so, take the willpower experiments in this chapter and turn them into strategies for self-
indulgence. (And try not to put if off, will you?)

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THE LAST WORD
When we contemplate the future, our imaginations fail us in predictable ways. Far-off rewards seem
less compelling, so we choose immediate gratification. We fail to predict how we will be tempted or
distracted, so we fail to protect ourselves from abandoning our goals. To make wiser decisions, we
need to better understand and support our future selves. And we need to remember that the future self
who receives the consequences of our present self’s actions is, indeed, still us, and will very much
appreciate the effort.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The Idea
: Our inability to clearly see the future clearly leads us into temptation and
procrastination.
Under the Microscope
• 
How are you discounting future rewards?
For your willpower challenge, ask yourself
what future rewards you put on sale each time you give in to temptation or
procrastination.
• 
Are you waiting for future you?
Is there an important change or task you’re putting off,
hoping that a future you with more willpower will show up?
• 
Are you too farsighted for your own good?
Do you find it more difficult to indulge than to
resist temptation?