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Unbreakable Resolutions as an Effective Tactic for Self-Control: Lessons From Mahatma Gandhi and a 19th-Century
Russell A Powell1, Rodney M Schmaltz1, Jade L Radke1
1Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 27, 2021
Summary
Personal resolutions can be powerful self-control tools when framed as "unbreakable resolutions." Historical figures like Gandhi used them effectively, offering insights into willpower and self-management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Self-Control Studies
Background:
- Self-management literature questions the efficacy of personal resolutions for self-control.
- Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Prince Pückler-Muskau demonstrated remarkable self-control through personal resolutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine historical writings on personal resolutions (vows) used by Gandhi and Pückler-Muskau.
- To identify defining characteristics of effective resolutions, termed 'unbreakable resolutions'.
- To outline Gandhi's advice for creating and adhering to such resolutions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical texts from Mahatma Gandhi and Prince Pückler-Muskau.
- Identification of key characteristics of their personal resolutions.
- Interpretation through delay-discounting and say-do correspondence models.
Main Results:
- Three defining characteristics of 'unbreakable resolutions' were identified.
- Gandhi's strategies for making and keeping resolutions were outlined.
- Effectiveness is linked to temporally extended reinforcement contingencies.
Conclusions:
- 'Unbreakable resolutions' offer a potent self-control strategy.
- Insights from historical figures can enhance modern self-control training.
- Guidelines for making and keeping unbreakable resolutions are proposed.
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