The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It

by Kelly McGonigal

CHAPTER SUMMARY The Idea: Willpower is actually three powers—I will, I won’t, and I want—that help us to be a better version of ourselves. Under the Microscope • What is the harder thing? Imagine yourself facing your willpower challenge, and doing the harder thing. What makes it hard? • Meet your two minds. For your willpower challenge, describe your two competing selves. What does the impulsive version of you want? What does the wiser version of you want? Willpower Experiments • Track your willpower choices. For at least one day, try to notice every decision you make related to your willpower challenge. • Five-minute brain-training meditation. Focus on your breath using the words “inhale” and “exhale” in your mind. When your mind wanders, notice, and bring it back to the breath.