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Talks at Google

Ep511 - David DeSteno | Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude

Dec 27, 2024
David DeSteno, a neuroscientist and author of "Emotional Success", discusses the role of prosocial emotions like gratitude, compassion, and pride in achieving success. He reveals that these emotions can enhance perseverance more effectively than sheer willpower. DeSteno dives into the marshmallow test, illustrating how delayed gratification leads to long-term success. He also emphasizes the importance of emotional strategies in fostering team dynamics and building empathy, offering practical tips for creating supportive environments.
56:19

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Quick takeaways

  • Self-control can be significantly enhanced by leveraging positive emotions like gratitude, compassion, and pride rather than relying solely on willpower.
  • Practicing compassion not only promotes prosocial behavior but also strengthens self-regulation, especially in challenging situations.

Deep dives

The Essence of Self-Control for Success

Self-control is identified as a critical factor for achieving success across various aspects of life, including academics, health, and relationships. This ability to delay gratification is often exemplified by the famous marshmallow test, where children who wait for a larger reward tend to have better outcomes later in life. Research has shown that individuals who can resist immediate temptations generally experience advantages such as improved financial habits and better academic performance. Therefore, understanding and enhancing self-control can lead to sustained success and well-being.

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