Ainslie's model

Ainslie’s model explains how people often struggle with self-control because of conflicting desires for immediate rewards and long-term goals. It likens the mind to a system where the "current" self seeks instant gratification, while the "future" self aims for larger, delayed benefits. The model suggests that if the present self has higher influence, people make impulsive choices; if the future self is stronger, they act more patiently. Essentially, self-control depends on balancing these competing parts, with a focus on how the urgency of immediate desires can overshadow long-term benefits.