How many push ups can you do? Why can you do that many? Is it only because you’ve practiced? Or is it also because of the other challenges that have fatigued your muscles, energy, and brain today?
Willpower is similar to your ability to do (or not do) push ups. With a strong willpower you can complete your workout plan and make healthy eating choices. With a weak willpower, you may not even make it to the gym for your first workout. So how can we ensure that our willpower is strong?
In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg shares a lot of research on willpower. The general consensus is that willpower is a learned skill and that by teaching yourself to use your willpower in one area of your life (like exercise) you improve willpower in other areas of your life (like finances).
However, successful businessman Gary Keller shares in his book, The One Thing, that even with a strong willpower, it may not be there when you need it most.
Keller goes onto explain that willpower is like a battery, it is drained as it is used. Tasks like resisting temptation, coping with fear, and filtering distractions can all drain our willpower.
I find this to be true in my life. After a long day in the clinic interacting with hurting patients and problem solving ways to reduce their pain, my willpower is drained. It’s hard for me to say no to the pull of the snack cupboard and instead pull on my yoga pants for a workout.
So how can we train our willpower while respecting its limitations?
First, we must recognize that growing our willpower in one area of our lives will likely give us greater willpower in other areas. Develop a greater ability to control the thoughts you think, and you’ll be better equipped to choose healthy foods.
However if we try to strengthen our willpower in more than one area at a time, it will likely be overtaxed. For example: if you use your willpower to build the habit of exercising before work, it may be too taxed to also overhaul your breakfast and lunch choices. So focus on building a stronger willpower in one area at a time.
Second, we need to consider timing. Don’t do extremely difficult tasks right before you will be in need of your willpower. If you struggle to push your plate away at dinner, don’t mow your lawn or work on your financial budget right before you eat. Instead go for a short walk outside to unwind from the day.
If you are trying to build the habit of exercise, don’t wait until the end of the day to do your workout. Try to fit it in before work, during your lunch break, or after an easier part of your day.
I seems that willpower can be both trained and used up. So don’t overwork it, focus on making one change at a time, and set yourself up for success when you know you’ll need your willpower the most.