Techniques To Improve Your Willpower

A recent book, titled “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength “by Roy F. Baumeister, and John Tierney focuses on impulses, desire, moral character, and how best to use it to overcome temptation.  In their book, they provide evidence showing the importance of willpower as far as academic, personal, career and financial success.  Of interest, self-control seems to be a better predictor of grades in college than either IQ or SAT scores.  The authors suggest that research into willpower and self-control is psychology’s best hope for contributing to human welfare.

According to the authors, willpower is like a muscle  that helps  manage thoughts, emotions , impulses and effortful  tasks .However, it can be temporally worn out with  overuse-the more you use it , the  less likely it will be  available  to you. It is similar to a reservoir that does not have water to replenish it. In other words, do not use up your reservoir of expendable willpower.  For instance, if you have too many resolutions or goals, you are more likely to fail.  It is better to focus on one accomplishable goal at a time. Simplify to be successful!

Glucose levels also affect willpower.  It seems that an adult’s ability to stick to high standards and avoid yielding to impulses depends upon blood sugar levels.  Thus, hungry or low blood sugar level individuals have little willpower to resist food.  You know, it is not a good time to go to the supermarket when hungry.

Research suggests that willpower can be increased or taught through self-control or self-discipline training.  For example, a decision to walk a mile each day is accomplishable.  By walking a mile every day self-control and self-discipline are strengthened. As a result, it then becomes easier to accomplish long-term goals.

In essence, to be successful and to increase your willpower it is necessary to self monitor, establish good habits and commit yourself publicly to your goals.  Avoid blaming others or the environment; filter through TV advertising blitzes, shopping malls, and supermarkets -professionals that employ psychological strategies to sap  defenses or compromise  willpower. Are you going to defeat Madison Avenue, or is Madison Avenue going to defeat you?

If you want to lose weight then start with either a walking program or dieting program.  After a month or so, add the second program.  Also, begin your weight issue program when you are relatively free from stress, and/or in a good psychological place.  If you are stressed out or not healthy psychologically, your willpower is likely to be compromised.  Begin your program, when you have the greatest opportunity and likelihood for success.