In 'The Willpower Instinct', Kelly McGonigal explores the science behind self-control and how we can harness our willpower to achieve our goals. Through compelling anecdotes and research, she reveals why willpower is a skill that can be trained and strengthened like a muscle. Discover the surprising ways your brain works against your best intentions and learn practical strategies to overcome temptation. This eye-opening guide not only addresses personal challenges but also delves into the broader implications for society. Whether battling procrastination, unhealthy habits, or stress, readers will find a path toward mastering their willpower and transforming their lives.
By Kelly McGonigal
Published: 2013
"The willpower to change your life is not just about being strong; it’s about being smart and understanding the science behind self-control."
Based on Stanford University psychologist Kelly McGonigal's wildly popular course "The Science of Willpower," The Willpower Instinct is the first book to explain the science of self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve our health, happiness, and productivity. Informed by the latest research and combining cutting-edge insights from psychology, economics, neuroscience, and medicine, The Willpower Instinct explains exactly what willpower is, how it works, and why it matters. For example, readers will learn: • Willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue. It is a biological function that can be improved through mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and sleep. • Willpower is not an unlimited resource. Too much self-control can actually be bad for your health. • Temptation and stress hijack the brain's systems of self-control, but the brain can be trained for greater willpower • Guilt and shame over your setbacks lead to giving in again, but self-forgiveness and self-compassion boost self-control. • Giving up control is sometimes the only way to gain self-control. • Willpower failures are contagious—you can catch the desire to overspend or overeat from your friends—but you can also catch self-control from the right role models. In the groundbreaking tradition of Getting Things Done, The Willpower Instinct combines life-changing prescriptive advice and complementary exercises to help readers with goals ranging from losing weight to more patient parenting, less procrastination, better health, and greater productivity at work.
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“The willpower to change your life is not just about being strong; it’s about being smart and understanding the science behind self-control.”
The Willpower Instinct
By Kelly McGonigal
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and award-winning author known for her engaging and accessible writing style. She has authored several influential books, including 'The Willpower Instinct', 'The Upside of Stress', and 'The Joy of Movement', which combine scientific research with practical applications for personal development. McGonigal's work focuses on the intersection of psychology and wellbeing, exploring how understanding stress and motivation can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. An experienced speaker and educator, she is also known for her TED talks and workshops that inspire audiences to embrace their challenges and improve their mental resilience.
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