Playing the Long Game: The Power of Self-Control

21 snips

Oct 20, 2025

Guest

Yuhuru Williams

Guest

Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and author of "Grit," explores the science of self-control, emphasizing techniques to manage impulses effectively. Yuhuru Williams, a historian and advocate for racial justice, discusses Jackie Robinson's remarkable composure in the face of adversity and how it reshaped perceptions in baseball. They reveal how mastering self-control can lead to success, highlighting practical strategies like situational design to strengthen willpower and enhance personal discipline.

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ANECDOTE

Composure Under Fire

Jackie Robinson endured relentless taunts, death threats, and targeted violence during his debut season in 1947.
He repeatedly chose composure over retaliation to undermine racist stereotypes and advance integration.

ANECDOTE

The Court-Martial That Shaped Him

While in the Army, Robinson refused to move to the back of a bus and was court-martialed for alleged insubordination.
He used knowledge of Army regulations and composed testimony to beat the charge and demonstrate his convictions.

ANECDOTE

The Chapman Confrontation

In April 1947, Ben Chapman verbally assaulted Robinson to provoke a reaction and test him.
Robinson smashed his bat in frustration but refused to physically retaliate, which shifted public perception of him.

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As a special addition to this week's episode, you can see Katy's full sit-down interview with Angela Duckworth, where they also explore the relationship between self-control and grit.

Watch or listen to their conversation on YouTube or Spotify.

When your emotions flare or temptation calls, what does it take to hold back? Whether it’s resisting the urge to lash out or the pull of short-term pleasure in favor of long-term goals, self-control can be one of the hardest—and most important—skills we ever learn.

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore the power and limits of self-control. You'll hear how legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson changed the course of history not just with his athletic talent, but through extraordinary composure in the face of hatred. Dr. Yohuru Williams is a professor of history and the founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. He is also the co-author of Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter. He explains how Jackie Robinson's restraint and strategic discipline helped dismantle racial barriers in Major League Baseball—and why his quiet strength was anything but passive.

Then, Katy sits down with psychologist and Grit author Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading expert on self-control. She breaks down what science tells us about managing impulses, why willpower by itself falls short, and how simple environmental tweaks and practical strategies can help anyone delay gratification and make smarter choices.

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The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter, and Grit are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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