Willpower is Limited
Notes
Claim
If you are fighting yourself, there is only one possible outcome—you will lose.
Explanation
Sure, there are situations in which we can just "power through", and force our way into acting the way we want to, but science has proven time and again that there is a limit to that. Willpower has a limited storage, so we should use it with care. Additionally, once we run out of willpower, all hell breaks loose, and we can't be sure which Temptations we might fall into Emotional hijacking is uncontrolled System 1 dominance over reasoning.
Why it matters
We should use our willpower sparingly, in critical situations or decisions that will have a Actions spread effects across people and time beyond initial cause, meaning a positive lasting effect on our life and not just arbitrary decisions. Also, Timing is key. We need to make those key decisions when we are in our prime, when our energy and willpower is high, so that we could avoid temptations in the most critical moments.
Examples
Instead of relying on willpower, we can:
-
Shape your environment - Create an Environment which produces the optimal outcome naturally, meaning that we have to make fewer decisions
-
Habituations - Once we turn good actions into habits, they will no longer require willpower to activate
-
Remove the choice - Using Commitment devices help enforce behavioral adherence through external constraints or having Absolute rules trade flexibility for willpower savings makes it easier to "follow through" because we don't even have the option of choosing otherwise; it has been "chosen" for us (by us) Decision points force re-evaluation or action by creating deliberate triggers
-
Make it fun - Use Bundling undesired tasks with enjoyable activities increases motivation in your favor. If you can't learn to love the right thing, attach it to something that you do like. We have to learn to love doing the right things.
Supporters
Opposers
Open questions
Visual
Overview
🔼Topic:: Self-Regulation and Change ◀Origin:: 🔗Link::