Harvard Self-Regulation
Research Bites
Are “My Choice” Messages Making People Sick? (2020) Hook
Principle: The idea that my health is my choice obscures the fact that health is influenced by personal choice and environment. Quote: “The message that
Changing Unhealthy Eating with Policy (2020) Roberto
Principle: Our brains influence our food decisions automatically and we can make public policies to take advantage of this fact. Quote: “supporting healthy eating habits
Implementation Intentions to Exercise (2019) Robinson
Principle: People are busy, but if they take a minute to determine when, where, and how they will exercise, they are more likely to follow
Over-Estimating Self-Control (2009) Nordgren
Principle: People overestimate their impulse control, so they over-expose themselves to temptation. Quote: “This biased perception of restraint had important consequences for people’s self-control strategies.
Self-Control in the Brain & in Real Life (2011) Berkman
Principle: Self-Control measured in our brains predicts self-control in everyday situations like resisting the urge to smoke. Quote: “This study investigated the neural underpinnings of
Grit Needs Perseverance & Passion (2020) Jachimowicz
Principle: To reach long-term goals you need more than perseverance; you need passion. Quote: “I mean, if you are really, really tenacious and dogged about
Deliberate Practice Makes Experts (2009) Ericsson
Principle: Deliberate Practice creates elite performers, not natural talent. Quote: “The central attribute of deliberate practice is that individuals seek out new challenges that demand
Don’t Specialize Too Early (2022) Güllich
Principle: World-Class Athletes started later and played more sports than national counterparts. Quote: “Senior world-class performers engaged in more coach-led practice in sports other than
What is Grit? (2007) Duckworth
Principle: Sticking to a long-term goal you care about creates more success than being smart. Quote: “The gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his