Nov 30, 2022 4 min read The Willpower Instinct

The Willpower Instinct: Summary

Everything you need to know about Kelly McGonigal's The Willpower Instinct, in 1 paragraph.

A reader enjoying The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal

The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal is an exploration of the power of self-control and how it can help us to reach our goals, resist temptation, and make positive changes in our lives. It looks at how willpower interacts with biology, psychology, and neuroscience to give us greater insight into how we can use it effectively and why sometimes it fails us. The book provides practical strategies for cultivating willpower, as well as understanding its limits. In addition, it looks at the ways in which social networks can both bolster and undermine our self-control.

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The Willpower Instinct: Key Points

Willpower is not a fixed trait, but rather a muscle that can be trained and strengthened.
Understanding the science behind willpower can help you develop strategies to build your willpower reserves.
Self-control is like a muscle; it gets tired after exertion and needs to rest, so use your willpower wisely.
Having clear, achievable goals and breaking them down into small steps will help you stay on track with difficult tasks.
Make sure to routinely practice self-care to keep your energy levels up and reduce stress that can sap your willpower reserves.
Developing habits, routines, and rituals can reduce the amount of effort needed for everyday tasks and free up more energy for challenges that require more focus and attention.
Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to give yourself time to recharge before tackling tough tasks.
It’s important to have a support system in place when working toward challenging goals; having someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through can be a huge help in staying motivated and accountable.

What to say about The Willpower Instinct

"The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal provides an innovative and refreshing take on the idea of self-control."
"The Willpower Instinct is a must-read for anyone looking to gain greater insight into how to better manage their own behavior."
"McGonigal's research findings in The Willpower Instinct offer valuable insights into how our minds work and how we can use them to our advantage."
"The Willpower Instinct is a captivating exploration of the science behind self-control and how it can be applied to everyday life."
"McGonigal's The Willpower Instinct dives deep into the psychology of willpower, offering practical strategies for enhancing one's ability to stick to goals."
"The Willpower Instinct is an engaging read that explores the fascinating subject of decision-making and how it affects our lives."
"The Willpower Instinct offers invaluable advice on how to break bad habits, cultivate good ones, and find success in any endeavor we pursue."
"The Willpower Instinct provides an invaluable source of knowledge and understanding about the power of willpower and its role in achieving success."
"The Willpower Instinct presents readers with an array of tools for mastering the art of self-control and making lasting changes in their lives."
"The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal illuminates the science behind willpower and offers readers powerful guidance on how they can use it to reach their goals."

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about The Willpower Instinct

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If you're looking to take control of your life and make positive changes, then The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal is definitely a must-read! Great advice backed up with science - highly recommend! #WillpowerInstinct #Read #PositiveChanges
Just finished reading The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal - if you want to learn more about the science behind self-control, then this book is definitely for you! Highly recommended! #WillpowerInstinct #Read #SelfControl

Top 5 Quotes from The Willpower Instinct

"The best way to gain self-control is to give it away."
"Willpower isn't just a skill. It's a muscle, like the muscles in your arms or legs, and it gets tired as it works harder, so there's less power left over for other things."
"When we accept our limits, we become more creative in how we use our time, energy, and resources."
"Willpower isn't an infinite resource. When you make a choice, you're using up some of your available willpower."
"Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions."

Other books by Kelly McGonigal

The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It
The Neuroscience of Change: Harness Your Brain’s Natural Ability to Create a Life You Love
Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind & Heal Your Pain
The Courage Quotient: How Science Can Make You Braver
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself