Willpower. a trainable resource

Willpower is a crucial component in the process of habit change and overall self-discipline, but it is important to understand it not as a fixed trait.

But as a resource that resembles a muscle: it can be depleted with use, but it can also be strengthened with exercise and proper practice.

Nature of Willpower

Willpower enables us to exercise self-control, resist temptations and persevere in achieving long-term goals.

Research, such as that of Roy Baumeister, has shown that willpower is a limited resource that can be temporarily depleted after an effort at self-control.

For example, after resisting the temptation to eat cookies, it may be more difficult to exercise self-control in a subsequent task.

It is important to be aware of this "ego depletion" and not to overload the willpower with too many simultaneous demands, especially at the beginning of a change of habits.

Strategies for Preserving and Strengthening Willpower

Knowing that willpower can be depleted, it is wise not to rely exclusively on it to maintain a new habit, especially in times of fatigue or stress.

For example, if you have an important meeting at the end of the day, it is advisable not to "spend" all your willpower on trivial decisions or on resisting small temptations just beforehand, if they are not crucial.

The good news is that willpower can be trained and increased.

Performing activities that require an effort of self-control or that take you out of your comfort zone, even in areas not directly related to the habit you want to change, can strengthen your overall capacity for self-regulation.

Exercises for Increasing Willpower

There are simple exercises that can help increase willpower by creating new neural pathways:

Using the non-dominant hand for everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth, using eating utensils or operating a computer mouse.