Willpower

[versh]

What can be done with it? To what extent can it be cultivated?

 

[0bleak]

i haven't even got the willpower to find out

 

[versh]

It's something of a black box, isn't it? There are times where you feel you've forced yourself to do things, but then there's no telling whether you really did force yourself or whether you were always going to do it. Were you really going against your programming, so to speak, or was it all part of your programming?

 

[0bleak]

I feel like I've against my programming a number of times, but I don't know if in such cases it was willpower as much as throwing caution to the wind, and saying to myself "if i die, i die" or "if i make an ass out of myself, so be it".

 

[sus]

Classics in the History of Psychology -- James (1907)

> The normal opener of deeper and deeper levels of energy is the will. The difficulty is to use it; to make the effort which the word volition implies... It is notorious that a single successful effort of moral volition, such as saying 'no' to some habitual temptation, or performing some courageous act, will launch a man on a higher level of energy for days and weeks, will give him a new range of power.

 

[sus]

People think mental energy is a tank you deplete but it seems more like a habit. I think this is why people report that an early morning exercise habit gives them greater energy and willpower throughout the day.

 

[versh]

Classics in the History of Psychology -- James (1907)

> The normal opener of deeper and deeper levels of energy is the will. The difficulty is to use it; to make the effort which the word volition implies... It is notorious that a single successful effort of moral volition, such as saying 'no' to some habitual temptation, or performing some courageous act, will launch a man on a higher level of energy for days and weeks, will give him a new range of power.

Is pursuit of habit an abdication of willpower?

 

[mixed_biscuits]

I've mentioned before that studies show that x improves willpower, can help beat addiction, and, in my experience, makes one far more sensibly purposive in character but none of you have the willpower to try x. So, if you want to know what it is happy hunting through the posts.

 

[Corpsey]

Adderall