Theories of self-control

Theories of self-control explore how people manage their impulses and make choices that align with their long-term goals. Some suggest it’s like a muscle that can be strengthened over time with practice, while others see it as a limited resource that gets exhausted with use. Another idea is that self-control involves balancing different brain systems: one that desires immediate gratification and another that promotes delayed rewards. Overall, these theories help explain why sometimes we resist temptation and other times we give in, emphasizing the importance of mental strategies and awareness in regulating our behavior.