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Jul 31, 2013
The Willpower Instinct
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
Summary
Get more exercise, clean out the garage, quit smoking, put down the pint of ice cream... Most of us have behaviors wewant to change, projects we keep putting off, and bad habits we should stop. We know what we want to do, but the challenge is actually doing it. Fortunately for those of us who want to make some changes in our lives, psychology research can provide some helpful guidance. A few years ago, Dr. Kelly McGonigal reviewed the scientific literature on self-control and started teaching a course called "The Science of Willpower" for Stanford's Continuing Studies program. Not surprisingly, it quickly became the most popular course in the program, and her students found the course to be life changing. The course became the foundation of McGonigal's book, The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It (Avery, 2011). The book provides a research-based and compassionate approach to behavior change. It will help readers be more aware of the choices they make and have a greater understanding of practical ways to achieve their goals.
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Debbie Sorensen
Debbie Sorenson is a psychologist in Denver and the host of the excellent podcast Psychologists Off the Clock.
