2) Recognize the moments when you’re about to sell out your Future Self. These moments often happen when you are in retail establishments. They often involve televisions or other gratifying electronic devices, including the snooze button of your alarm clock. They also frequently involve high-fructose corn syrup and disposable packaging.

The Psychology of Craving

Much of our success and happiness in life comes down to how we manage cravings—sudden intense desires for everything from chocolate and chardonnay to sex and revenge. But if we want to avoid destructive cravings (and cultivate healthy cravings), it helps to understand the psychology behind them...