This article lists the 10 things that people with remarkable willpower do differently. If you need convincing that you should improve your willpower then this list should do it.
1. They eliminate too much choice
There actually is such a thing as too much choice. Barry Swartz explains in his book The Paradox of Choice how counter-intuitively people feel overwhelmed and less satisfied if they are given too many good options. People with willpower write a shortlist of 3 – 5 options and make satisfactory choices.
2. They do the hardest thing first
You’ve got to Eat That Frog pro-ports Brian Tracey in his book of the same name. Folk with remarkable willpower focus on finishing the one task that provides the most value or renders other tasks pointless. This single mindedness is a productivity strategy that anyone can employ and by attacking the less appealing task first you will set yourself up for the rest of the day to be a success.
3. They refuel frequently
Folks with great willpower make sure that they keep their energy levels topped up. By having small amounts of food regularly they do not go through sugars highs and subsequent crashes. By avoiding the boom and bust approach to fuel intake it ensures that they have adequate energy for when your willpower is tested.
4. They rest frequently
Energy is incredibly important to people with remarkable willpower. To keep energy levels topped up make sure to rest frequently. Whether this is taking a nap in the middle of the day or taking a short break depends upon the individual. It is far easier to stick to a plan if you have the energy to make rational good decisions.
5. They have routines
There isn’t an endless supply of willpower available. As a result it is a great idea to have routines for stuff that doesn’t require decision making or sticking to your guns. A good example of this is having an early morning routine. When you get up, what you eat and any other ritual should be consistent every day. This might sound boring but if you agonise over what to have for breakfast then you will be using up valuable decision making and willpower holding energy.
6. They anticipate when willpower is weakest
For most people willpower is at its lowest when they are tired, hungry or stressed. Have a think about when you make less than ideal decisions. This is when your willpower is at its weakest. Rather than trying to combat this head on avoid making decisions at these times by falling back onto good routines or avoiding the kind of activities that could lead to bad decisions – i.e. no late night internet shopping.
7. They exercise
Exercise creates more energy and helps keep you healthy. Rather than thinking you need willpower to exercise think about the additional willpower that going for a good walk or jog will give back to you. Drop your exercise regime into a routine and you are onto a massive winner.
8. They eat healthily
The mind and body are all part of the same system – so shouldn’t be considered separately. So if you are looking for a way to improve your willpower then look at the food you are consuming… I’m not advocating only eating rabbit food, but if you reduce the number of refined carbohydrates and increase the amount of unprocessed foods you eat then not only will you feel better but you will also get positive willpower side effects.
9. They get things done
If you have remarkable willpower then you will find that you get more things done. Keeping top of your task list and realising your goals is achieved by the practical application of your willpower.
10. They stop doing things
Remarkable willpower also gives you the tools to stop doing the kind of things that you dislike. Whether this is saying yes to everyone, quitting a habit or changing a quirk of personality you no longer like then this is all possible when you harness your willpower.
Featured photo credit: Sean Rademaker via flickr.com
