In the 1970s, psychologist Walter Mischel conducted an experiment where he gave a group of children the choice to either eat a cookie immediately or wait until he returned and receive two cookies. The children who waited for the great reward were shown to do better in school go on to earn higher incomes.
Thankfully we do not have to rely on our own self-control in order to gain eternal life. Though we may still struggle with sin on this side of heaven, we have the Holy Spirit to help us fight temptation and persevere until our reward, when we will be united with Christ and no longer sin.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201207/the-power-delaying-gratification
