Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why willpower isn't just about saying 'no'
- How to boost self-control daily
- Secrets behind the brain's impulse management
- Ways meditation reshapes willpower
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Lack of willpower is a true epidemic in our world today
Kelly McGonigal, PhD teaches a hugely popular Stanford course that attracts people from all walks of life. Whenever she mentions that she is about to talk about willpower, everyone groans and says they really need more of it. It seems that a lack of willpower is something we all deal with! How much willpower do you think you have? Don’t worry if yours is in low supply, as there is plenty of information coming your way to help you change that situation.Willpower gives you the power to control everything in your life, including your emotions, your attention, finances, health, relationships, and success in your career. For that reason, learning how to improve your levels of willpower is a must–do.The fact that you struggle with willpower shouldn't make you feel bad. The American Psychological Association states that Americans regularly name low levels of willpower as a reason why they often don't meet their long–term and short–term goals. This leads to feelings of guilt and feeling out of control. Put simply, we're all at the whim of our impulses rather than our conscious choices, and that doesn’t bode well for a happy and healthy life.The good news however is that you can do something about it and by putting in the time and effort you can start to overcome your bad habits and look forward to achieving the things you’ve always dreamed of.
Willpower isn’t just about pushing yourself to do things, it’s also about learning to control your impulses.
second KEY POINT
Learning how to fail helps you to perform better
It might sound counterproductive to suggest that you need to fail to do well, but if you don't know your triggers for failing, how are you supposed to change anything? Kelly McGonigal tells us that the fastest and most effective way to boost your self–control is to watch and understand why you lose control in the first place. This allows you to avoid the common triggers and traps which force you to fail.
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first KEY POINT
There are three parts of the brain that control your willpower efforts:I will, I won't, and I want
second KEY POINT
Self–awareness is a vital step towards willpower
third KEY POINT
Your brain helps you to survive threats by giving you exactly what you need
fourth KEY POINT
Flex your self–control to make it stronger
fifth KEY POINT
Just because you do good doesn't mean you can do bad
sixth KEY POINT
Why you can't always trust your brain
seventh KEY POINT
You can't do your best all the time
eighth KEY POINT
Instant gratification is the fast track to a problematic future
ninth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It about?
The Willpower Instinct, authored by Kelly McGonigal, explores the science of self-control, explaining how our brains process willpower and why it’s crucial for achieving our goals. The book provides insights into how we can strengthen our self-discipline and make better choices.
What are the key takeaways from The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It?
Key takeaways from The Willpower Instinct include understanding the biological basis of self-control, recognizing the importance of stress management, and learning practical strategies to enhance willpower through mindfulness and positive habits. McGonigal emphasizes that self-control is a skill that can be developed with practice.
Is The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It worth reading?
Yes, many readers find The Willpower Instinct to be worth reading as it offers valuable insights backed by scientific research, making it an eye-opening guide for anyone interested in improving their self-discipline and achieving personal goals. Its practical advice is applicable in various aspects of life.
How many pages is The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It and when was it published?
The Willpower Instinct is approximately 320 pages long and was published on September 1, 2011. This comprehensive book is rich with evidence-based strategies for enhancing self-control.
How does The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It help improve self-discipline?
The Willpower Instinct helps improve self-discipline by providing scientific insights into how willpower works and offering practical exercises to cultivate it. McGonigal’s methods encourage readers to understand their triggers and develop healthier habits.