"The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It" is written by Kelly McGonigal instructor of the Stanford University course 'The Science of Willpower'.
The psychology professor details how our natural ability for self-control gets compromised by stress, distraction, lack of sleep and exercise, and a host of other factors. To harness your innate willpower, you need to understand what factors make you give up your self-control. Willpower—the ability to exercise self-control when you need it—is an instinct that's wired into our brains yet it seems like willpower vanishes at crucial moments. Using the latest psychology and neuroscience research, she offers strategies to help us defeat procrastination, control cravings, and achieve our goals.
Willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue. It is a biological function that can be improved through mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and sleep. People who have better control of their attention, emotions, and actions are healthier, happier, have more satisfying relationships, and tend to make more money.
It is worth knowing however that willpower is not an unlimited resource. Too much self-control can actually be bad for your health. Both temptation and stress hijack the brain's systems of self-control but the good news is that the brain can be trained for greater willpower.
Want to know more about this book? Watch one of the following book summaries:
The Willpower Instinct - Kelly McGonigal PhD [Mind Map Book Summary]
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal (animated book summary) - How Willpower Works
