Mindful Monday - Willpower Part 3

About This Talk

The last part of Chris’s willpower series recaps what willpower is and how to build it. Willpower, he says, is the postponement of instant gratification for long-term gain, and every time we practice it we rewire ourselves for healthier outcomes. He lays out a simple strategy and asks listeners to use it at every chance, however small, so it holds when it really counts.

Key Ideas

• An urge fades if you pause long enough, because with so many thoughts a day another one soon jumps in front of it.
• The brain’s reward chemicals don’t judge, so the goal is to get that boost from the things that are good for you.
• His strategy: do the work, pause until the urge burns off, hold a picture of what you want, and practice at every chance.
• Small choices count, like water instead of a sugary drink, because the brain doesn’t register the size of the opportunity.
• Picture the outcome, such as crossing a 5K finish line, rather than every step, so the details don’t overwhelm you.

“Building our willpower is like building any other muscle.”