The Science of Self-Control

Rachlin does an excellent job of deconstructing the concept of willpower, reducing it to a small number of skills and abilities which can be directly studied. His central thesis is that our ability to delay gratification for future gain is based on the act of "chunking" experiences. If you always make your decisions based on how you'll feel five minutes from now, then you'll never stay on a diet or learn to play the violin. Even for someone who's gotten past the initial hard work, the extended and deep pleasure that comes from (say) reading a challenging novel or kicking butt at football may be overwhelmed by the extraordiary low-cost but unfulfilling pleasure of vegging in front of the television or surfing random book reviews on the web. Rachlin uses some very clear language and some very confusing diagrams to explain how this works and how we can work to change, but his practical methods are a little naive. His construction of drug abuse is also highly questionable, although as a general model for self-perpetuating but valueless activity it is worthwhile. This book will give you a fascinating new perspective on why even good people can be lazy, stupid, or self-destructive, but don't expect detailed self-help exercises.

I am writing this review after only reading excerpts of the book. It is well written, with cogent examples that can act as a "How-to" book. Although based on science, it is clear enough to be understood by most, and should be helpful to all.