The topic of self-control caused me to think very deeply about my thought process when I am making decisions about my future. Immediate gratification, such as indulging in junk food or completing an easy task feels satisfying since you are getting rewarded without a delay in time. Noah Rasheta created a podcast with guest speaker Ellen Leanse, discussing the key to true happiness. I learned that happiness and self-control actually go hand in hand. The instant gratification most people go for, versus long term goal setting and achievement, releases two different chemicals in the brain. The instant gratification releases serotonin, which definitely boosts mood although it is not as strong as the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is released when you work hard for something, and as a result of your efforts have a finished product and euphoric feeling associated with your achievements. It is much easier to go for the easier task and not maintain stable self-control, but the outcome will be very different in the chemicals released and emotions felt. Just like Radio Lab mentioned in their section called You vs. You, you need to understand your weaknesses to overcome your limitations and succeed in your goals and aspirations. Everyone has weaknesses, but there is strength in understanding them well enough; this concept is similar to the story with Ulysses and the Sirens. Ulysses prepared himself and his troops for the weakness he may experience when the Sirens began to sing and seduce him.