The Greatest Human Strength: Willpower

Will power is one of the most important ingredient in success. But before we go any further, let's look at the definition of  the term 'WILL and WILLPOWER'. 

Will is the ability to make conscious choice. We all have free will and make our own choices.

Will is related to desire . If you do not want something very much, then the will to succeed is likely to be weak. This is reflected in the saying 'A faint heart never won a fair lady.' On the other hand if you have a strong desire, then you will be more likely to persist. Another saying is 'Where there's a will, there's a way.'

Willpower is the motivation to exercise will. A person with strong willpower will assert decisions even in the face of strong opposition or other contradictory indicators. A person with little willpower will give in easily.

Getting what you want takes willpower, whether it means you doing something or others doing things for you. To succeed, this means first you must know what you want. Then you must be determined to get it, even in the face of extreme difficulties.

Willpower can refer to a person's character which include:

1. Self control - Training on oneself and conduct, usually for personal improvement.

2. Volition - The process of making and acting on decisions.

Kelly McGonigal, PhD and author of The Willpower Instinct says willpower is a response that comes from both the brain and the body .

The willpower response is a reaction to an internal conflict. You want to do one thing, such as taking ice-cream when you have cold or supersize your lunch, but know you shouldn’t. Or you know you should do something, like paying your tax or go do some exercise , but you’d rather do nothing.

How to boost your willpower

1. Postpone things for later to gain focus on what’s important now.

Postponing something you really shouldn’t have can be effective if you’re trying to break a bad habit. Roy F. Baumeister explains that people who tell themselves “not now, but later,” are generally less tormented by the temptation of something they are trying to avoid.

2. Take tough decision

In one of my previous post, I said big risk comes with big reward. Every audacious being make huge risk and are not moved with the term "I cannot".

Every time you tell yourself “I can’t”, you’re creating a feedback loop that is a reminder of your limitations. This terminology indicates that you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do.

3. Don't put yourself in temptation's way, or if you do, have a plan.

Baumeister said, People with high willpower use it not to get themselves into crises. " Avoid places that will tax your willpower. If you can’t avoid temptation, make a plan in advance for what you are going to do instead of succumbing.

4. Get more sleep to help your brain manage energy

5. Better exercise and nutrition.

Baumeister's top willpower tips: Build up your self-control by exercising it regularly in small ways. Learn to recognise signs that your willpower may be waning. Don't crash diet. Don't try to do too much at once. Establish good habits and routines that will take the strain off your willpower. Learn how to draw up an effective to-do list.

Willpower is a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it becomes.