Self-control is more important than you realize

Being able to choose two marshmallows later instead of one marshmallow now turns out to be crucial in navigating many of life's biggest challenges.

• "The stuff needed to delay gratification on the marshmallow test — namely, executive function — is exactly what's needed for school success," Mischel says.
• Kids who have that are "ready to learn, to focus on the teacher, to concentrate, to not become distracted, to keep the goal in mind."