Interestingly, restraining our consumer spending, in the short term, may cause us to actually loosen the belts around our waists. What’s the connection? The brain has a limited capacity for self-regulation, so exerting willpower in one area often leads to backsliding in others. The good news, however, is that practice increases willpower capacity, so that in the long run, buying less now may improve our ability to achieve future goals — like losing those 10 pounds we gained when we weren’t out shopping.
The brain’s store of willpower is depleted when people control their thoughts, feelings or impulses, or when they modify their behavior in pursuit of goals. Psychologist Roy Baumeister and others have found that people who successfully accomplish one task requiring self-control are less persistent on a second, seemingly unrelated task.
Focusing on success is important because willpower can grow in the long term. Like a muscle, willpower seems to become stronger with use. The idea of exercising willpower is seen in military boot camp, where recruits are trained to overcome one challenge after another.
This may explain why my dieting efforts have been “less than optimal” while Karen and I have been finishing our book. Now that is done, however, I have no more excuses!
Aneil
Filed under: Coaching, Potpourri | Tagged: dieting, goal attainment, self-discipline, task accomplishment, willpower
This post reminds me that I would do well to prioritize what I’m trying to “willpower through”. That regular exercise, rising early, resisting junk food, regular meditation, saying positive things or nothing at all, staying centered, staying focused on priorities, etc., all draw on the same “well” of willpower. Nice reminder that I can be kind to myself and pick my battles.
Also heartening to know I can increase my willpower over time.