Self-control is not a problem in the future. It's only a problem now when the chocolate is next to us.

Source: "Saving for Tomorrow, Tomorrow." TEDSalon NY2011. Nov. 2011. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: To understand the meaning of this quote, which is from a TED Talk given by behavioral economist Shlomo Bernartzi, it helps to have some context. Specifically, Schlomo Benartzi is talking about the difficulty of saving money rather than spending it. In relation to this quote, Benartzi explains that part of the problem with saving money is that when we think of ourselves in the future, we imagine ourselves acting with more self-control, fiscally or otherwise, than we are practicing in the present moment. As a result, we continue to spend our money (or eat chocolate) today while planning on saving our money (or eating something healthy) tomorrow. Yet when the tomorrow arrives and becomes today, we give into temptation and do the easier thing. Watch the full TED Talk here: Shlomo Benartzi - Saving for Tomorrow, Tomorrow

“Saving for Tomorrow, Tomorrow.” TEDSalon NY2011. Nov. 2011. Conference Presentation.