The Willpower Instinct
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
By Kelly McGonigal | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
About the book
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.
Editions of The Willpower Instinct
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781583334386
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781583335086
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101553732
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593162941
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593162958
Read an Excerpt
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Willpower Instinct about?
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.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Willpower Instinct?
Society and Social Sciences > Psychology
Where can I read a sample of The Willpower Instinct?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781583334386
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Willpower Instinct?
Kelly McGonigal
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Willpower Instinct is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781583334386) and paperback(ISBN 9781583335086) and ebook(ISBN 9781101553732) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593162941) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593162958)
Where can I buy The Willpower Instinct online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Willpower Instinct from below
Where can I buy The Willpower Instinct?