Baumeister's Ego Depletion Theory

Baumeister's Ego Depletion Theory suggests that self-control relies on a finite mental resource. When you exercise self-control—like resisting temptation or delaying gratification—this resource becomes temporarily depleted, making subsequent self-control efforts more difficult. Think of it like a muscle that tires after use. After exerting willpower on one task, your ability to resist further temptations diminishes, leading to less disciplined behavior until you've had time to recharge. This concept helps explain why people might make poorer choices when they are tired or stressed, as their mental resources for self-control are temporarily drained.