Today, I just finished reading Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy Baumeister and John Tierney. I approve. It’s easy to read and describes a lot of really interesting experiments involving people’s constitutions. There isn’t as much about growing willpower as I had hoped, but rather a lot of evidence backing up their major claims. I always find such experiments interesting so I was entertained, but for those less interested, here’s the main thrust:
We each have a finite amount of willpower.
That cup drains throughout the day as we make decisions and resist temptations; we do not approach each new challenge with the same power of resistance throughout the day.
We can replenish our willpower by feeding ourselves and getting rest. Our brains burn an incredible amount of energy using our willpower.
We increase our maximum amount of willpower through leading a disciplined life. That discipline carries over into the other aspects of our life. This is why I’ve always taken issue with those that say that there is a difference between a field Marine and a garrison Marine. More often than not good garrison Marines are the best field Marines, and those that knock a garrison Marine as being that, are often not as good of field Marines as they proclaim.
So, in short, go read the book. Alternatively, check out The Art of Manliness’s more expansive summary of the topic.
And since we’re on the subject of willpower, how about a little Gary Puckett?
