The ability to resist anything from an extra slice of cake to a spending splurge is one of the keys to happier living, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that levels of self-control and life satisfaction were inextricably linked after analyzing self-report surveys completed by 414 adults.
Instead of agonizing over whether to indulge in something, those with strong willpower simply found it easier to make the right choices while those who gave into vices were plagued with regret.
Study co-author Kathleen Vohs, a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota, said people with greater self-restraint are, in essence setting themselves up to be happy.
This is apparently because they learn how to ‘avoid problematic desires and conflict.
Along with the surveys the researchers also turned to data from a study in which 205 adults were given smartphones and asked to report their emotions at random intervals throughout the week.
At the same time, they were also asked to state whether they were experiencing any desires, and if so, how hard they tried to resist them, and whether they ended up seeing them through.
Again findings shows those who refrained from acting on impulse were generally more cheerful in the long run.
The paper defines self-control as ‘the ability to override or change one’s inner responses’ and lead researcher, Wilhelm Hofmann, describes it as ‘among humankind’s most valuable assets.’
Dr. Nick Nacarri, a psychologist who was not involved in the study, points out that the immediate gratification of giving into desires can wear off quickly and leave people unhappy.
He says a better approach would be to take time and give some thought before giving in.
‘So it’s not like denying yourself entirely, but being more selective about when and how and under what circumstances, because when you do that it makes the things more enjoyable,’ he explained to Fox News.
The recent study was published in this month’s Journal of Personality.