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[2024·±±¾©Êк£µíÇø¸ßÈýÉÏѧÆÚÆÚÖÐ]Demanding days seem designed to test our self­control. We all need to rely on willpower to avoid short­term temptations and override unwanted thoughts or impulses (³å¶¯). The prevailing psychological theory proposed that willpower resembled a kind of battery. With each exercise of self­control, you exhausted this resource. Without a chance to recharge, that resource ran low, making it harder to maintain self­control. This process was known as “ego depletion”£®

In 2010, however, psychologist Veronika Job published a study that questioned the foundations of “ego depletion” theory, with some interesting evidence that ego depletion depended on people's underlying beliefs. In the study, Job divided participants into two categories: those with a “limited” view of willpower and those with a “non­limited” view of willpower, based on a prior questionnaire. She then gave the participants some standard laboratory tests examining mental focus, which was considered to depend on the reserves of willpower. The study found that people with a limited mindset tended to perform exactly as ego depletion theory would predict but the non­limited individuals did not, which indicated that people's beliefs about willpower could be self­fulfilling prophecies (Ô¤ÑÔ). Those who believed willpower was easily depleted saw their self­control decrease, while those who believed in “mental stamina (ÄÍÁ¦)” experienced no ego depletion.

Subsequent debates about the reliability of the laboratory tests of ego depletion emerged, but Job's work demonstrated that mindset significantly impacted real­life outcomes. Her follow­up study revealed that after completing demanding tasks, most participants recovered to some degree overnight, but those with non­limited mindsets actually experienced an increase in their productivity the following day, as if energized by the extra pressure.

If you already have a non­limited mindset about willpower, these findings might be a cause for self­satisfaction. For those with limited mindsets, hope is not lost. Learning about this science can help shift beliefs. Sharing this knowledge with others can further consolidate this shift. Moreover, recollecting times of engaging in taxing yet enjoyable tasks naturally shifts people's beliefs toward non­limited mindsets, as they see proof of their own mental stamina. To provide yourself with further evidence, you can conduct small self­control tests. As you realize your willpower's growth, you'll find resisting temptations and distractions easier.

While immediate miracles aren't guaranteed, perseverance will lead to a changed mindset and increased self­control, propelling actions toward personal goals.

1£®“Ego depletion” theory shows that willpower ________.

A£®helps control our impulses

B£®reduces after exercising self­control

C£®is a test of your character

D£®is like a chargeable battery

2£®What can we learn from Job's two studies?

A£®Extra pressure boosts mental focus.

B£®Demanding tasks reduce mental focus.

C£®Reserves of willpower depend on mental focus.

D£®The change of mental focus relies on one's mindset.

3£®Which of the following can build non­limited mindsets?

A£®Picturing your ideal university.

B£®Doing homework in front of a TV.

C£®Sharing science knowledge with friends.

D£®Recalling mastering a challenging piano piece£®