I got this message in an email from Michael Lovitch, Co founder of the Hypnosis Network . I found it so interesting, I just had to post it. I have told people over and over that willpower isn’t a matter of personal strength, but more an issue of how much re-wiring needs to be done in their brain. Michael offers a great explanation on how willpower plays into how the brain works.
Will Power is not a “Character” Issue
Most of us assume that a lack of will power is a personality defect, and that if we had a better constitution we would meet our resolutions (stop overeating, stop drinking too much, quit smoking, get more done, create and follow a budget, etc…)
But the research is now clear that our brains simply aren’t designed for willpower – because willpower is a limited resource.
A series of experiments has clearly demonstrated that the part of the brain responsible for self control, the prefrontal cortex, simply can’t maintain the act of self control for an extended period of time.
Baba Shiv, a marketing Professor at Stanford University, conducted a really interesting experiment that I think really drives the point home:
Cake or Salad?
Baba Shiv’s team assembled two groups. Group One was tasked with remembering a
I was recently asked about a current Biggest Loser TV episode, where a contestant lost 34 pounds in one week! Is this really possible?