There have been certain instances in my life when I know I’ve exercised great willpower: with free fudge, going vegetarian, ex-boyfriends … no thanks. But lately I can’t be within ten feet of temptation without grabbing a greedy handful.
Whether a cookie is beckoning us to jump off the healthy-eating train or a warm bed is coaxing us to nix our morning workout, we’re constantly forced to test and retest our ability to say no. Why do some of us have such a hard time conjuring it up, while others seem to be able to do it without even trying?
I’ve decided there’s no time like the present to learn a little more about the elusive forces behind willpower—and hopefully improve mine in the process.
Confounding Factors
Don’t get me wrong—I’m all about making life-changing promises; in fact, I do it quite frequently. The problem is, all too often, the old me (sans weekly yoga classes, control over my finances, and a cleaner apartment) resurfaces before I have time to even appear to stick with my resolution.
Our ability to accomplish a goal depends on creating an environment that makes it more manageable. Scientists have studied the process for decades and, according to one study in Psychology Today, have found that sticking out a life change is much harder when the process lacks these particular elements.
Simplicity
Trying to squelch every bad habit at the same time just sets us up for failure. Sure, I’d probably be happier with myself if I could kick my massive caffeine consumption, stop partaking in the occasional social smoke, hit the gym every day, and reflect in my journal every night starting now, but it’s pretty unlikely that anyone could make such a sweeping overhaul all at once.
Sense of Urgency
A University of California study found that 350 percent more homeowners sign up for energy programs when they’re told they’ll lose money if they skip it. This means that a little scare tactic goes a long way when it comes to motivation. We’ve got to feel like we have something to lose by not sticking to our resolution—like money, our health, or our friends’ respect.
