Willpower

[The Hungry I, Charles St, Boston; 10/30/11]

Exerting willpower... requires the brain to use a lot of energy in the form of glucose, which it may not have if you are hungry or not able to metabolize glucose as efficiently due to lack of sleep or stress. 

A friend and I were just talking about willpower the other night (while swilling margaritas at the end of a busy day at the end of a busy week - okay, just one marg each - willpower!). The author of a new book called Willpower has been making the media rounds, so it's been in the news. Willpower is a predictor of success in life. That's the message. The author apparently provides suggested techniques for boosting one's willpower. But most interesting is how willpower gets depleted, for example, through overuse of willpower all day at work, or stress, or low glucose.

Some of which may explain why I did not do any work last night as I'd intended when I left the office, driven all day by that looming deadline. I left about an hour later than usual, but given the time change it felt more like two. I came home and made stir-fry with the chicken and veggies I bought at Whole Foods on Saturday, poured myself a glass of wine, and enjoyed my dinner. Then I did dishes, checked my various social networks online, fired up Spotify and put on "Twelve" by Patti Smith, which made me curious about what year it was recorded, which led me to an interview with her on Charlie Rose some time back and I watched the whole damn thing. It was getting late. Too tired to think anymore, I turned on the tv and did my PT exercises (well, only the minimum, but - willpower!), and then I was utterly maxed out and went to bed, after properly flossing and brushing.

And so starts another day. But I'm up an hour earlier than usual - no, not willpower, just taking advantage of naturally waking up on Daylight Savings Time.

Comments

[Roberta]

I read the articles from both of your links. I'm tempted to buy the book now. I have no willpower at all. It's such a failing on my part. I admire people that do have willpower though and find that I am drawn to them. Michael is the patron saint of willpower, he blows me away!

[maria]

Oh yes, stress, at least for me, consumes huge chunks of willpower, leaving many resolutions to go stale and then turn into old guilt. Which of course, creates even more stress. :) Interesting article, indeed, especially int he way it sheds light on the ways willpower does get depleted.

[Leslee]

Roberta: Maybe Michael does the willpower for you and you bring the fun! D's very light on willpower and I think it gives mine a nice break.

Maria: Yeah, I thought the depletion insights were very interesting. Another good reason to manage our stress levels, I guess. But that (yoga, meditation, etc) would take a certain amount of willpower, too!