If I think I'm putting myself in a position to fail the marshmallow test...by getting impatient or making justifications--> I take the marshmallows out of the equation.

I don't focus on them.

I focus on something else all together - even if the marshmallows are sitting right in front of me. Even if the whole room is full of hundreds of marshmallows all piled on top of me - I'd picture them as fluffy clouds on a desert island and try to place myself back in time on my favorite vacation.

Turn the sugary, marshmallow smell into the aroma of the ocean in your mind.

Then, after you have yourself into a happier state of mind... (sans marshmallow.)

Come face to face with the marshmallow and take a hard look at it.

If you want it - eat it and LOVE it, knowing one marshmallow is delicious and perfect for you in this moment.

If you choose to hold out and wait for the second marshmallow...hold out knowing that waiting is the perfect thing for you to do in this moment and two marshmallows are well worth a nice, happy little delay.

I know this sounds a little crazy, but I have found it to be the secret to all those "hot topics" in my life that seem to suck me into making a decision or taking action.

If I (mentally) remove myself from the temptation/pain/argument/food, etc. and get my mind into a happier state (by listening to music, going for a walk, or just playing some videos in my imagination of some wonderful times in my life that make me feel good).

I can then return to the decision about the "marshmallow" and feel good about -eating it or not eating it - depending on my mental clarity and emotional happiness I have as I return my focus back to the marshmallow.

Oh how I love to tweak my thinking!!

A fantastic post @legosnjoysticks, I just love conversations like this!!