"I got the Power" - Willpower

While browsing, or stumbling, on StumbleUpon, I found this Boston Globe article: How Willpower Works.  I have often been credited by family and friends with having rediculous will-power, which while flattering, is something that I feel as though everyone can obtain.  So when the subtitle of this article stated "Research indicates that willpower can be strengthened like a muscle - and is a key predictor of success in life", I knew I had to read and blog about it.

The article states that high levels of self-control, aka willpower, is related to good health, healthy relationships, as well as finances - which are all typically predictors of 'success'. Thus why I'm even more flattered when I'm attributed with high levels of will power.

How Willpower Works - Boston Globe

There are many aspects of this article that, I love, and that I think snowball off of eachother.  Hunger, fatigue, stress, metabolism all have an effect on our willpower muscle (prefrontal cortex).  Which strengthens my position on living a healthy life; consisting of a healthy balanced diet, exercise, leisure activities, adequate rest, and intellectual pursuits.

When we are fatigued (even myself), tend to have a depleated willpower bank - therefore not selecting choices that are best for us.  Whether that be poor food choices, financial decisions, whether or not to wear that hideous sweater your great aunt gave you for Christmas last year, ya know, pretty much anything.

As a 'willpower-virgin' (if you will), one will immediately realize, that utilizing willpower requires energy.  Our brain requires glucose to opperate, and if you have not supplied your body and brain with appropriate nutrients, your willpower muscle will be sorely lacking in ability - and as the article states, "will turn you in to the worst version of yourself".  Even more evidence that we need to fuel our bodies with proper nutrition, or eat for fuel and function, not for FUN.  (I'm not against the culinary arts, but its just an added challenge to make sure what we are enjoying or creating is nutritious.)

Another critical aspect of healthy willpower is overuse.  Just as a muscle can become depleted during a workout, our willpower can be depleated when overused.  Which actually is evidence that although I like to think that I can recruit my willpower to battle through life making ALL the right decisions, ALL of the time - it is okay and beneficial to give it a rest sometimes.  But the key is to not get down on ones self, as shame and guilt is counterproductive and can lead to a snowball effect of slip ups.  (so about that cheat/refeed day on Christmas!)

As I said, I have never felt as though I have been givin this magical special gift of willpower; I strongly believe that we are all capable of developing and demonstrating killer willpower.  This article backs me up on that.  So how do you build and tone this willpower muscle?  Easy.  By setting small simple goals, or habits.  The article gives the example of brushing your teeth with the opposite hand you'd normally use.  While this feels awkward and takes some getting used to, it will eventually become easier and easier, and is a task that is pretty insignificant - therefore it is easy to get yourself to commit to.  While you are brushing your pearly whites with your non-dominant hand, you will be strengthening your self-control.  Its a win-win, for you and your chompers.

As the new year approaches, and many people tend to set lofty New Years Resolutions, try to break your goals down and built your willpower while you are at it.  For me personally, embarking on my new program in the midst of the holiday season, is even more motivation to achieve my goals.  I have built up my willpower muscles to be able to resist temptation during times of many celebrations, treats, and indulgences.  So I'm looking forward to the amazing feeling of overcoming temptation and staying the course for my goals. The bigger the obstacle, the bigger the reward.

The article talks of David Blaine and his amazing feats, inwhich he credits to willpower training.  Achieving little goals will help you built up to achieving bigger goals.  He has become an "endurance artist" through his acts of willpower; so here's to the pursuit of becoming a better "endurance artist" in 2012.