The Willpower Instinct
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
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The Willpower Instinct
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
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- Learn techniques to enhance your ability to resist temptations and make better choices, leading to more disciplined behaviour in daily life.
- Strategies for managing stress effectively, which can reduce impulsive behaviours and improve overall emotional well-being.
- Understanding the mechanisms of willpower, you can set and achieve goals more consistently.
- Recognize your impulses and make conscious decisions rather than reacting automatically.
"What a liberating book! McGonigal explains the scientific reality of willpower, exploding the myths most of us believe. Stronger willpower—based on inspiring facts, not oppressive nonsense—is finally within everyone's reach."
— Geoff Colvin, author of Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else
“The Willpower Instinct” by Kelly McGonigal is a transformative exploration of self-control that combines scientific research with practical strategies. This book provides readers with a deep understanding of how willpower functions and offers actionable techniques to enhance their ability to resist temptation, stick to goals, and make better decisions.
Throughout the book, McGonigal examines various aspects of willpower, including:
• The neuroscience behind self-control
• How stress, sleep, and diet affect willpower
• The role of mindfulness in strengthening self-discipline
• Strategies for overcoming procrastination and distraction
• Methods for breaking bad habits and forming positive ones
• Techniques for managing cravings and impulses
Readers will learn:
• How to identify and overcome personal willpower challenges
• Effective strategies for goal-setting and long-term motivation
• Ways to harness the power of self-awareness for better decision-making
• Techniques to build resilience and perseverance
• How to create an environment that supports willpower and goal achievement
The book includes exercises, real-life examples, and scientific studies that illustrate key concepts and help readers apply the principles to their own lives.
“The Willpower Instinct” is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take control of their life, break free from self-defeating behaviours, and cultivate the self-discipline needed to succeed in any area of life. With its engaging writing style and evidence-based approach, this book offers a fresh perspective on willpower that can lead to lasting personal transformation.
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ISBN 10
ISBN 13
The book: "The Willpower Instinct" Is perfect for:
• Individuals seeking to improve their self-discipline and achieve personal goals
• Professionals looking to enhance productivity and decision-making skills
• Students aiming to boost academic performance and study habits
• Anyone struggling with procrastination, bad habits, or lack of motivation
• Coaches, therapists, and educators interested in understanding and teaching willpower concepts
• Readers interested in psychology, neuroscience, and personal development
Meet the author
Author biography
Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, renowned for her expertise in the mind-body connection. She gained widespread recognition for her popular Stanford course “The Science of Willpower,” which formed the basis for her bestselling book “The Willpower Instinct.” McGonigal’s work combines cutting-edge research from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to offer practical strategies for improving self-control, health, and well-being.
As an award-winning science journalist, McGonigal has authored several influential books, including “The Upside of Stress” and “The Joy of Movement.” Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, actionable advice has made her a sought-after speaker and contributor to publications like Psychology Today.
McGonigal’s innovative approach to willpower and stress management has earned her invitations to speak at prestigious institutions, including Google and TED. Her TED talk on stress has been viewed over 23 million times, showcasing her talent for engaging and inspiring audiences.
Beyond her academic and writing pursuits, McGonigal is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of physical activity. She practices what she preaches, finding joy and resilience through yoga, dance, and strength training. Kelly McGonigal currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues to explore the intersection of science and human potential.
Book testimonials
“A fun and readable survey of the field, bringing willpower wisdom out of the labs.”
— TIME magazine
“The Willpower Instinct is a new kind of self-help book. Using science to explain the why and strategies for the how, McGonigal has created a must-read for anyone who wants to change how they live in both small and big ways.”
— Book Page
“Each chapter could stand on its own as something helpful, but taken as a whole, this book could be downright life-altering. If you are trying to lose weight, become more successful at work, rid yourself of toxic habits…heck, if you’re HUMAN, you need to read this book.”
— Library Thing
“This book has tremendous value for anyone interested in learning how to achieve their goals more effectively. McGonigal clearly breaks down a large body of relevant scientific research and its applications, and shows that awareness of the limits of willpower is crucial to our ability to exercise true self control.”
— Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., co-author of You Are Not Your Brain and author of bestselling Brain Lock