Mischel has proven that the ability to delay gratification is critical for a successful life, predicting higher SAT scores, better social and cognitive functioning, a healthier lifestyle and a greater sense of self-worth. But is willpower prewired, or can it be taught? He explains how self-control can be mastered and applied to challenges in everyday life, and changes the way you think about who we are and what we can be.

Delay ability : enabling self-control. In Stanford University's Surprise Room ; How they do it ; Thinking hot and cool ; The roots of self-control ; The best-laid plans ; Idle grasshoppers and busy ants ; Is it prewired? The new genetics -- From marshmallows in pre-K to money in 401(k). The engine of success : "I think I can!" ; Your future self ; Beyond the here and now ; Protecting the hurt self : self-distancing ; Cooling painful emotions ; The psychological immune system ; When smart people act stupid ; If-Then signatures of personality ; The paralyzed will ; Will fatigue -- From lab to life. Marshmallows and public policy ; Applying core strategies ; Human nature.