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Cravings and Why Willpower is Not Enough!



Websters dictionary defines willpower as "energetic determination." Whenever I ask someone where willpower comes from they say something like "internal strength." It is the desire to control your impulses. It that internal drive that some of us seem to have more of than others. To me this is a not very well defined term yet it is that one thing that everyone wants and believes will move them forward in all of their goals. I need to find the "willpower," the "motivation;" like it will fall out of the air straight into your lap.

The truth about willpower! 

The truth is will power is considered by some researchers to be a limited and fast reduced resource. The term they use is "willpower depletion." Saying "no" takes a mental toll on you and that is where this "internal strength," comes from. Willpower is like a muscle that after continued use can reach this point of depletion where we give into our cravings or impulses, which can then lead to regret, anxiety, dispar and depression.

The truth is it is always being tested. Not only with following your diet but when you hold back a laugh, resist yelling at your annoying neighbor, or forcing a courteous smile. Anything that goes against your natural reaction involves using your "will." So not only do we use it in relationships, mentally, or emotionally ... there are definite physical aspects at play too.

The truth is it is biological. Those who use their willpower have a decrease in glucose in their brain. By the way another word for glucose is SUGAR! No wonder I want a gallon of ice cream when I come home after resisting that seemingly delicious red velvet cake at the birthday party. Your brain is asking for some help here. If we use too much of our willpower, then we have decreased lack of focus, concentration and energy to put into our next task.

So what you are saying is it's impossible to overcome? 

The simple answer, Heck no!  Over time, this can get stronger. Just don't test you willpower too many times before it gets a chance to recharge. You will get better at it and there are some quick tips to reenergize when you are in depletion.

How do you do that?

Find out what works in Next Week's Monday Motivation Blog Post
December 19th  7 Motivating Steps to Setting Goals in 2017.
Sincerely,

Fit "Resist" Therapist
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