1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: The Willpower Instinct provides readers with the tools to understand and strengthen their own willpower, enabling them to make choices that positively impact their lives and the lives of those around them.
“When you know how to use your willpower, you can create the life you want to live.”
Quick Info
Category: Productivity
Publish Date: 2013-12-31
# Pages: 288
ISBN: 1583335080
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Table of Contents
Overview
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal is a comprehensive exploration of the science of self-control and how to use it to improve people’s lives.
The book draws from the latest scientific research to examine how people can strengthen their willpower, focus their attention, and motivate themselves to make positive changes.
Through a series of exercises, readers will learn how to cultivate the skills of self-discipline, self-compassion, and self-awareness in order to become more successful, resilient, and productive.
Through the use of real-world examples, McGonigal provides a practical and accessible guide to developing greater self-control and improving overall well-being.
4 Key Lessons from The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
1. Know Your Triggers
The first lesson from The Willpower Instinct is to become aware of your triggers.
Triggers can be anything from certain foods, feelings, or people that can cause us to make impulsive decisions in the heat of the moment.
By becoming aware of our triggers, we can develop strategies to better manage them.
For instance, if you know that seeing certain ads on TV triggers you to spend money, you can set a limit on how much you will allow yourself to spend.
This way, you can avoid overspending and making decisions that you may regret later.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is a critical component in maintaining strong willpower.
When we fail to prioritize our own needs, our willpower can suffer.
The Willpower Instinct suggests that we take time to prioritize our self-care and give ourselves permission to indulge in activities that bring us joy.
This can include anything from getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthy foods, and taking time for yourself.
By taking care of yourself first, you will be better equipped to handle challenges and make decisions that are in line with your long-term goals.
3. Set Goals and Track Progress
Setting goals and tracking progress is an important aspect of increasing willpower.
The Willpower Instinct suggests that we set specific, measurable goals and track our progress in order to stay motivated and on track.
This can include setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals, as well as tracking our progress towards those goals.
For instance, if you wanted to lose 10 pounds in a month, you could set daily goals for yourself such as eating healthy meals, drinking enough water, and exercising.
Tracking your progress can help you stay on track and motivated to reach your goals.
4. Develop a Support System
Having a strong support system is an essential component of increasing willpower.
The Willpower Instinct suggests that we develop a support system consisting of family, friends, and even professionals who can help us stay focused on our goals.
This supportive group of people can help us stay on track, provide motivation and emotional support, and help us deal with any challenges that may arise.
Having a strong support system can be the difference between success and failure when trying to make lasting changes in our lives.
Who Should Read It
This book would be of particular interest to psychologists, therapists, and coaches, as well as individuals interested in self-improvement and personal development.
Where to Get It
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About Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University.
She has written several books on the science and psychology of behavior, including The Willpower Instinct.
Her work focuses on how individuals can use science-based strategies to gain greater self-control and achieve their goals.
Her research has been featured in the New York Times, National Public Radio, Oprah Magazine, and many other publications.
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Other Productivity Books you may Like:
- Best Books on Productivity
- Think Like da Vinci by Michael Gelb
- Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern
- Time Warrior by Steve Chandler
- Twelve Principles of Efficiency by Harrington Emerson
Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon
Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.