Lapses of Self-Discipline
From Scientific American Mind (June/July 2007), pg. 11:
Constant source of irritation and then burst of anger leads to blaming ourselves for a lack of self-discipline, but willpower may not be available in an unlimited supply. Scientists have discovered that a single brief act of self-control expends some of the body's fuel, which undermines the brains' ability to exert further self-discipline. Distraction depletes glucose in the bloodstream and hinders ability to maintain mental discipline. It's metabolically expensive to maintain self-control. Research suggests that those who exercise self-control are more likely to make impulse purchases--a finding that fits with the glucose depletion model.
Constant source of irritation and then burst of anger leads to blaming ourselves for a lack of self-discipline, but willpower may not be available in an unlimited supply. Scientists have discovered that a single brief act of self-control expends some of the body's fuel, which undermines the brains' ability to exert further self-discipline. Distraction depletes glucose in the bloodstream and hinders ability to maintain mental discipline. It's metabolically expensive to maintain self-control. Research suggests that those who exercise self-control are more likely to make impulse purchases--a finding that fits with the glucose depletion model.