Self-Control is Like a Muscle — It Can Be Depleted and Strengthened

The concept of ego depletion, popularized by Roy Baumeister, suggests that self-control is a limited resource. When we use it (e.g., resisting temptation or making tough decisions), it becomes temporarily depleted, making it harder to exert self-control again in the short term.

Though the concept has faced some replication challenges, it aligns with everyday experience: after a long day of resisting urges, people are more likely to indulge in impulsive behaviors, like overeating or snapping in anger.

However, research also shows that self-control can be trained, like a muscle. Practices like mindfulness, delayed gratification, and even regular goal setting can help improve self-regulation over time.

Implication: Willpower isn’t purely a moral trait — it’s a psychological skill that can be influenced by environment, habits, and even glucose levels.