The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Most people assume you are talking about losing weight or working out more when broaching the subject of willpower. Nevertheless, we need willpower for more than just dieting and exercising. Willpower can help if you are starting your first business or trying a new hobby.
Your level of willpower determines if you can manage tough or stressful situations. Many people who lack this determination often find it challenging to cope with various circumstances.
To become stronger in your mind and body, discover more about willpower and why you need it! Also, learn how you can improve your willpower in your everyday life.
What is Willpower and Why Do You Need It?
According to the American Psychological Association, “willpower is the ability to resist short-term temptations in order to meet long-term goals.”
Consider this example: someone who wishes to go to medical school. They may resist the short-term temptation of partying with their friends every night. With a dedication to their studies and a good balance, they are more likely to succeed in their long-term goal.
We need willpower because much research has shown that it affects our mental health. Willpower and self-discipline can make you mentally and physically healthier.
How Can You Get More Willpower
Practice, Pratice, Practice
If you want to improve your willpower, this tried-and-true method will help: practice with the willpower you have. Willpower is similar to any physical exercise. The more you do it, and practice it, the easier it will become. For example, someone who begins lifting weights. The more they lift weights, the heavier weights they can lift. Willpower works the same way.
When you first begin using your willpower, it’s imperative to start small. Begin by saying no to something simple. It can be saying no to another drink or no to giving money to someone who already owes you a lot. When you practice your willpower on smaller tasks, it will become easier to stay strong during more serious confrontations.
Surround Yourself With Driven People
Who you surround yourself with makes a big difference in your life. Think about this quote by John C. Maxwell of Maxwell Leadership: “the better you are at surrounding yourself with people of high potential, the greater your chance for success.”
In other words, when you are surrounded by people of good influence, you are more likely to be influenced in a good way. However, the opposite is also true. If you spend more time with negative or pessimistic people, you will probably harbor similar feelings as they do.
For illustrative purposes, imagine you become friends with people who have big dreams and a whole lot of motivation. Chances are high that you will feel encouraged and motivated to chase your own aspirations. Find people who have great willpower and you can encourage one another in your walk.
Talk to Someone Who Has It
If you have ever spoken with an elderly person or a grandparent, you’ve probably been given many pieces of advice. The older generation has many wise sayings and for a good reason. Through their experiences, they have learned things we have yet to live through. It’s important to take advantage of this.
When you meet someone who has shown evidence of their willpower, talk to them! Ask them questions such as: how they found success and how they improved their willpower. Learn all that you can from them. More than likely, they learned their self-discipline through trial and error. By talking to them, you can avoid the same pitfalls. You can improve your willpower after a simple conversation.
Meditation and Awareness
When you think of meditation, you make think of yoga or beachside retreats. However, meditation is an age-old practice that is about bringing awareness to a person’s present moment. Meditation can help you improve your willpower easily. In many ways, willpower is a choice of the mind and meditation can help you make these choices easier.
When you meditate, you are focused simply on what your mind and body are feeling at that specific moment. People who regularly meditate claim that they become more aware of who they are and their desires when they practice meditation.
Meditation demands that you sit silently and without distractions. According to many, it is a difficult art to master. When your mind wants to wander, you must train yourself to ignore this temptation and focus only on meditating. Practicing this form of willpower can help you practice self-discipline outside of meditation.
Take Care of Your Body and Mind
Another way to establish your willpower is by becoming a good steward of your body and mind. There are many ways that you can take better care of yourself that benefits your determination. For example, eating nutritious foods, getting good rest, practicing self-care, maintaining social connections, and engaging in good hygiene. How can this help with willpower?
When becoming a better steward, you are applying good habits that will last a lifetime. The decisions you make daily affect so many things, such as energy levels, stress management, and self-confidence. In other words, an adequate sleep schedule and a diet without processed foods can keep your brain more alert. Similarly, exercising and practicing self-care can give you more confidence and boost dopamine.
This is necessary for willpower. The better you feel about yourself and in your own skin, the more willpower you will have the better decisions you will make.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional
Lastly and most importantly, if your lack of willpower is causing you to engage in harmful behaviors, you should speak with a mental health professional. For instance, if you are experiencing symptoms of a substance use disorder or you are finding it difficult to say no to dangerous urges. These types of decisions can create more stress in your life.
By talking to a therapist or counselor, you can learn more about willpower and how to apply it to your life. You will be given the necessary tools and encouragement you need to succeed. Speak with a mental health professional about the next steps.