The Quote of the Day Show | Daily Motivational Talks 2186 | Daniel Goleman: “One Definition of Maturity is Lengthening the Gap Between Impulse and Action.”
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May 23, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, psychologist Daniel Goleman, renowned for his work on emotional intelligence, explains how a child's experiences shape their brain. He emphasizes the importance of teaching focus and self-control through engaging techniques like breathing buddies. Goleman uses a traffic light analogy to illustrate impulse control, linking it to the famous marshmallow test. He reveals that the ability to delay gratification is crucial for long-term success, pushing for better impulse management in education to enhance future opportunities for children.
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Brain Matures Late, Shaped by Experience
- The brain matures anatomically only by the mid-20s, shaped significantly by repeated experiences.
- This neuroplasticity means early experiences like empathy and focused attention develop crucial brain circuits.
Breathing Buddies Calm and Focus
- In a Spanish Harlem classroom, kids practiced "Breathing Buddies" to focus attention and calm emotions.
- When skipped, the classroom became chaotic, showing the method's impact on their ability to self-regulate.
Use Social-Emotional Learning Tools
- Teach children social-emotional learning integrated with academics to enhance self-management and relationships.
- Encourage using the "stoplight" method to pause emotions, calm down, think, then choose the best action.
