Abstract
<jats:p>Everyday choices often involve two interacting forces. Fast, automatic impulses pull behaviour toward immediate rewards and away from discomfort—an “autopilot”. At the same time, a slower system weighs consequences and supports goal-directed decisions. These systems not only clash but at times align, jointly steering behaviour. Their interplay explains why intentions, such as healthy eating, sometimes fail and sometimes succeed. This research reveals that cues linked to reward or punishment strongly bias actions, even when those cues hold no relevance. Stronger biased responses appear in individuals with higher cognitive capacity and particular neurochemical profiles, increasing susceptibility to distraction and temptation. Clear differences across individuals highlight why some people resist impulses more successfully than others. These findings sharpen understanding of everyday self-control failures and offer insight into addictive and compulsive behaviours.</jats:p>