TODAY’S IDEA:
Will power lowers/depletes at the end of the day and needs to be recharged.
— Many books talk about the results of the studies around this concept. Read more about this here and here.
Several fascinating studies have found out that willpower is like a muscle, and that after resisting many temptations—big and small—it fatigues throughout the day. “If you’ve ever willed yourself to be diplomatic with an infuriating colleague or forced a smile through your in-laws’ extended visit, you’ve probably discovered that social interactions often demand self-control. Indeed, research shows that interacting with others and maintaining relationships can deplete willpower.” (Source.)
Why is this important to know? Because when you are trying to reach your goals that include resisting something (i.e. going on a diet and resisting dessert, or staying positive as you collaborate on a project with negative colleague, or if you have Mr. Picky Splithairs as a client…) you need to schedule those activities for times when you have ample willpower and/or allow time to “recharge” your willpower before and after the event where you’ll find yourself resisting.
ACTION:
Figure out the times and situations that make you deplete your reserves of resistance faster, and make a plan (doesn’t have to be elaborate) to avoid those situations altogether if you can, or recharge your “willpower reserves” before and after the depleting event. Remember that YOU set the rules here, so no worries if your ritual for recharging sounds weird, if it works for you, that’s all you need!
Let me know your plans in the comments below, I’d love to learn what works for you!