Mastering Self-Control: Thinking Hot & Cold

• Originates from the limbic system
• Associated with fear
• Automatic natural response.
• Immediate response/reward system

• Dominated by the pre-frontal cortex
• Came very late in evolution
• Planning ahead, patience, decision making
• The amygdala will often overrule

The limbic system is a set of primitive brain structures located on top of the brain stem. It developed early in our evolution helping us thrive. This set of structures regulates our base instincts and emotions including fear, anger, hunger, and sex. These motivators helped our predecessors manage living around dangerous animals like lions and hyenas. Within the limbic system is the amygdala which plays a pivotal role in responding to our desires and needs.

Our limbic system hasn't evolved much over time. It specializes in sudden reactions to strong, emotion evoking stimuli. Because of this researcher Walter Mischel has taken to labeling this our hot system. In his mind, the hot system gives life zest, motivating individuals to want more, but making it difficult to stay the course.

Working in tandem, but on the opposite side of the spectrum, is our cool system, housed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This system is cognitive, complex, reflective, but slower to act. Our cool system is what allows us to plan for the future.

The PFC supports our highest cognitive abilities and helps to make us uniquely human. It manages thoughts, actions, and emotions. It's the source for creativity and imagination, and is crucial in helping us making the right decisions and stick to long-term goals. Self-control is at the heart of the PFC which doesn't mature until our early twenties. A fact that should surprise no one whose made it through their twenties.