Posts Tagged ‘self discipline’

Building a profitable and satisfying business does not happen by magic. It takes a certain strength of mind.

Science tells us that, like an overused muscle, demanding to much of ones will power weakens our self discipline. If this is true, then we should be careful about where we choose to spend our self control capital.

This video explains why.

Today I ate pie for lunch.

I recently lost 15 pounds by following a very restrictive diet.  Now that I am no longer on the diet, which required a great deal of self control, I find I have very little will power left to pass up desert.  Today I ate pie for lunch.  I know this behavior will undo all that I’ve gained, yet I found it hard, impossible, to resist the temptation.  My will power is all used up.



Accomplishing Your Goals Requires Willpower

Accomplishing your goals requires hard work and willpower. I am probably not telling you anything you don’t already know but what you may not know is that will power is like a muscle.  If it is tired, you will not be able to resist temptation.  If you strengthen the muscle, you will increase your chances of success. 

Here are some ways to increase your willpower.

Practice Self Control

Do something difficult: give up chocolate, begin working out regularly, call your mother every Sunday.  Practice.  Practice to improve yourself discipline.

Rest When You Need It

The key here is to rest not by giving in to temptation by eating pie for lunch but by avoiding the temptation of the pie.  Recognize your vulnerability. Be kind to yourself. Nurture yourself. Support yourself.

Think About the Why

Lastly, stay conscious of your goals, you did write them down, right? Remind yourself of your reasons for your goals.  Remembering your “why” will boost your motivation to succeed.

Begin Today

What will you do today to strengthen your willpower and ultimately your chances for success?

Image by Flickr user Jetta Girl, licensed under CC 2.0