Everybody is talking about willpower. With high hopes, I purchased a book that promised me the newest scientific research on the subject. After page 3, boredom. I don’t even know where the book is now.
I know where Scott Forrester’s, The Aware Athlete, is! The last time I opened it, I found an intriguing way of thinking about willpower.
Scott says we think willpower is forcing ourselves to do things. I express my agreement by gritting my teeth.
He writes: “The real use of willpower comes not through forcing ourselves but by eliminating the influence of competing thoughts through persistent, focused attention.” That’s a complex sentence but I can follow it if I slow down. So let’s apply it to my situation.
“Eliminating the influence of competing thoughts.” If my goal is to work on my memoir, what are the competing thoughts?
A big one: Everybody is writing a memoir so why bother.
This line of thinking may influence me to stop writing if I don’t have concrete reasons like the ones below to place my attention on:
#1. I want to show how valuable psychoanalysis can be,
#2. I want others to know how the unconscious plays a role in life,
#3. Writing the memoir is my self analysis,
#4. I want to know it is possible to complete the memoir.
Keeping my focus on those reasons. Paying attention to those reasons will engage my willpower. At least it has so far! I’m working on Chapter 10!
What do you think about willpower? Is Scott’s way of thinking too cerebral for you? Where in your life do you wish you had more willpower? Do you think knowing your goal and having clear reasons for it would work for you? Please let me know!
CLUE: For no reason in particular, eat popcorn. If you don’t like popcorn, eat chocolate. If you want to pick something else to treat yourself to, go right ahead. I’d love to know what you decide!
Image: Please look closely at the Guardian’s hat. It was too cold to get a better shot – but it was amazing!
10 comments
I recently read a book that has had a huge impact on my life: Willpower Doesn't Work by Benjamin Hardy. He states early on that if you need willpower, you haven't made a decision. Committing totally–he means 100%–makes life easier. It eliminates the internal conflict, so willpower is not even relevant. Removing environmental distractions is a big part of this a well. It seems that Mr. Hardy is just taking the words in The Aware Athlete and ramping them up a few notches. All I can say, is that for me, this works. When there's internal conflict that calls for willpower, I examine my decision and ask if I'm committed 100%.
Have a great week, Nicky, and keep plugging on that memoir!!
XO
Diane – I so appreciate your comment and agree that Hardy and Forrester are on the same page.
It helps me so much to hear you say when there is internal conflict that calls for willpower, you examine your decision ant to determine if your commitment is 100%! You made it so clear!
Thanks so much for your comment and your well wishes!
I had never thought of competing thoughts, had always just assumed willpower was doing something difficult or something I didn't want to do. If of course i WANT to do it.
I just broke my foot, am on crutches for the first time. It is much more challenging than i pictured, and I think I can use this information to focus. Thanks!
Oh Vicki – I am so sorry to hear about your foot but since you are in such good shape, it will heal rapidly. If the ideas about competing thoughts help you get through this life challenge I will be so happy! Thanks for letting me know and for reading.
Interesting – I associate willpower with NOT doing things, mostly eating and shopping. I too find lists helpful, and motivating!
Margaret
Oh Margaret – I think most of us, if we were honest like you are, would agree with your association with willpower!
Glad lists help you and are motivating! Keep making them!
Thanks for the comment and for reading! So appreciated.
“persistent, focused attention”
This seems the same to me as “forcing yourself”.
I’ll have a piece of chocolate.
Sent from my iPhone
Interesting – I'll have to think about that. I think that persistent focused attention feels like more of a choice whereas forcing yourself sounds rougher somehow – but I will think more.
I don't have to think about the chocolate – except I've been craving popcorn lately. Maybe I can have both!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I loved seeing your guardian minus snow – I'd been curious about its shape. Very Lovely – and then with snow again!
I like the idea of focusing on the reasons for doing something. So all the best with continuing your memoirs.
Given your 'clue', I had two little bars of sugar-free chocolate this afternoon. They did me good!
It's been a really intense week as a close friend died suddenly on Monday.
NOTE: Trish's message continues but I chose the above part to share. I am reading her second book: Exploring the Presence which she generously sent to me because, in part, of the title being so similar to my blog and the fact that Amazon only carries her first book: Faith Evolving: A Patchwork Journey. I plan to read that next!
Great to hear from you Trish. Thank you for the good wishes for my writing.
I'm so pleased that you found the chocolate helpful!
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