According to a study highlighted in the New Yorker, one of the biggest factors in success is delayed gratification. Even more than IQ or parenting, self-control played a huge part in enjoying a successful career path and personal life.

Based on a “marshmallow test” in which young children were told they could have two marshmallows if they left one in front of them untouched until the researcher returned to the room.

Even more interesting, you can teach mental tricks that allow children to practice self-control. I look forward to hearing how these pedagogical experiments go–especially for at-risk youth.