How to Improve Willpower

How to Improve Willpower

Willpower is the ability to control yourself. Willpower is a certain level of inner strength. It can be associated with determination or even motivation. Willpower is what you use when you want to go out with friends but don’t so that you can study. Willpower is what you use when you choose not to pick up a cigarette when you are trying to stop smoking. Willpower is how much power you have over yourself. Take a moment to reflect on what aspects of your life you maintain strong willpower in. Now, take a moment to reflect on aspects of your life in which you have limited willpower. Why do you think that is? What about this area of your life are you not as strong, determined, motivated or in control? Here are a few ways that you can begin to increase your willpower in those areas.

3 ways to Improve your Willpower

1.       

   Take personal responsibility.

By placing ownership for things we are not coming through on, off on something or someone else, we give the control over our decisions where it should not be going. Willpower requires control of yourself, if you are handing it over to another person or thing, you will never have enough willpower to change or complete what you are trying to do.

Tip: Begin increasing willpower by taking full responsibility for decisions and actions that you take. In return you will see both your willpower and discipline rise.

2.      

   Watch your Self Talk

By watching how you talk to yourself as you make decisions you are reinforcing your personal responsibility and freedom as a person. But just as important, the way you talk to yourself has an influence over your confidence and inner strength. When you lack confidence and inner strength, you will notice that your willpower goes down. If you are consistently talking down to yourself, you decrease the level of key factors that can boost your willpower. The stronger you feel about yourself, the more inner strength you will have to make decisions that are in your best interest.

Tip: Increase willpower by talking kindly to yourself.

3.       

   Define your Purpose

In business you have to have a 3 and 5 year plan. Why? Because it gives you and those around you a direction and a vision. You must have a purpose in each choice that you make for your company so that it moves in the direction of your goals. You need this same plan in life. Create weekly, monthly and yearly goals or plans for yourself, and put them in a place where you can see these goals each day. Then, each time you make a choice, be sure that it is in line with your purpose and direction. If you know why you are here in this world and if you understand where you desire to go, then your willpower and control over your choices will be stronger.

Tip: Take time to reflect on your purpose in life. Create goals and plans for your future and take these into account with each decision you make. 

Dr. Jaime Kulaga is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Motivational Speaker. She is the author of "The SuperWoman's Guide to Super Fulfillment: Step-by-Step Strategies to Create Work-Life Balance." She is the inspirational founder of the nationally known SuperWoman Workshops. Dr. Kulaga has been featured internationally for her expertise in Work-Life Balance. http://www.mindfulrehab.com