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Have we all agreed that higher SAT scores, advanced degrees, less coke, and more money are all things that we want? Am I missing something? Other than coping with stress, I'm not sure I want any of the other qualities.

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Those things (maybe with the exception of the coke) are measured because they are easy to measure. It's harder to quantify diverse goals like making sure that you have enough time for your hobbies, staying in touch with your friend or making sure that you give your loved ones what they need. But I'm sure that self control will help with those goals too.

To get those things you need willpower and the research was about measuring willpower.

If you want different things that's your choice but for most good things in life you need willpower. You can't do what the guy from "Into the wild" did without willpower.

Not such a good example ...

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