Self-control, the ability to override or change internal impulses for the benefit of longer-term, strategic goals, has always been treasured as an admirable human trait. For example, Confucius taught ...

We think we need greater self-control to be happier. But a new study suggests the arrow of causation points the other way.

Finding self-control can be a struggle for many. Here’s how to fight impulsive decision-making and live by your true values. Self-control can feel like an uphill battle. Whether it’s resisting the ...

Having high self-control is often seen as a good thing. It’s believed to be key to success in many aspects of life—whether that’s getting a promotion at work, sticking to your workout regime, or ...

A new book on willpower asserts that it's a muscle. That is, you can strengthen it with practice, and you can exhaust it with stress and overuse. This makes sense, and years of research back the idea.

Neuroticism may moderate the relationship between certain personality traits and self-control, and the interaction effects appear to differ by the type of self-control, according to a new study.

The new year is a time when we all try to turn over a new leaf by getting rid of bad habits and developing new ones in their place. But as we all know from personal experience, most New Year’s ...

These are comments I might get when people learn about my lifestyle. I’m one of those annoying people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise five times a week, save a portion of their salary, ...

A scientific squabble over how to define self-control draws from an unlikely source: A story from Greek mythology. Sailing home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, Odysseus longed to hear the Sirens’ ...