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The Science of Willpower

Secrets for self-control without suffering

Self-Control
What Moment Will Define You in 2014?

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on December 30, 2013

Can you imagine an event in 2014 that will be important, meaningful, and shape who you are? The ability to generate such self-defining future memories is important for experiencing a sense of self-continuity -- exactly what scientists have found helps us to be, and become, the best versions of ourselves.

Can you imagine an event in 2014 that will be important, meaningful, and shape who you are? The ability to generate such self-defining future memories is important for experiencing a sense of self-continuity -- exactly what scientists have found helps us to be, and become, the best versions of ourselves.

Optimism
What the Stock Market Can Teach You About New Year's Resolve

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on January 2, 2013

I don't typically turn to stock reports for self-help inspiration. But there's a market quirk that shows up each New Year that's gotten me thinking about the "economics" of our own New Years resolutions. Think of yourself as a start-up, and chart a new course in 2013.

I don't typically turn to stock reports for self-help inspiration. But there's a market quirk that shows up each New Year that's gotten me thinking about the "economics" of our own New Years resolutions. Think of yourself as a start-up, and chart a new course in 2013.

Motivation
Five Things You Can Do Instead of New Year’s Resolutions

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on December 29, 2012

Tired of the traditional New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fit, or get out of credit card debt? Try a new New Year's ritual, from a chat with your future self to a wish list for 2014.

Tired of the traditional New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fit, or get out of credit card debt? Try a new New Year's ritual, from a chat with your future self to a wish list for 2014.

Self-Control
This Was the Year in Willpower

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on December 12, 2012

This round-up features the most-read posts and most-watched videos on this blog in the past year. Plus, the blog post you probably didn't read (it got the fewest hits of the year), but that I picked as the defining post of 2012.

This round-up features the most-read posts and most-watched videos on this blog in the past year. Plus, the blog post you probably didn't read (it got the fewest hits of the year), but that I picked as the defining post of 2012.

Gratitude
What’s Better Than Gratitude?

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on November 18, 2012

Somewhere between mashing the potatoes and dishing out the pie, millions of Americans will take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. But a recent study published in Psychological Science suggests a different practice -- one you might consider making a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Somewhere between mashing the potatoes and dishing out the pie, millions of Americans will take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. But a recent study published in Psychological Science suggests a different practice -- one you might consider making a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Neuroscience
Why It’s Hard to Let Go of Clutter

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on August 7, 2012

Researchers asked people to sort through items like junk mail and old newspapers, and decide what to keep and what to toss. While this was happening, researchers tracked their stress and brain activity.

Researchers asked people to sort through items like junk mail and old newspapers, and decide what to keep and what to toss. While this was happening, researchers tracked their stress and brain activity.

Health
Is Your Mind Separate From Your Body?

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on August 3, 2012

A new study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany, finds that if you believe the mind is separate from the body, you are less likely to exercise and avoid junk food.

A new study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany, finds that if you believe the mind is separate from the body, you are less likely to exercise and avoid junk food.

Diet
The Bad Science of Banning Soda

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on June 1, 2012

The uproar about Mayor Bloomberg's new ban on selling supersized sodas has focused on two issues: 1) personal freedom (as in, I have the God-given right to buy a 72-oz cola), and 2) efficacy ("It won't make a difference anyway; people are obese because of what they eat.")

The uproar about Mayor Bloomberg's new ban on selling supersized sodas has focused on two issues: 1) personal freedom (as in, I have the God-given right to buy a 72-oz cola), and 2) efficacy ("It won't make a difference anyway; people are obese because of what they eat.")

Self-Control
Five Temptations That Actually Boost Your Willpower

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on April 12, 2012

If you’ve suspected that you run out of willpower as the day wears on, you’re right. Scientists have discovered that willpower is a kind of energy that gets spent over the course of your day. Like a muscle that gets tired from exercise, our self-control strength gets sapped by the many decisions, distractions, and stresses we face.

If you’ve suspected that you run out of willpower as the day wears on, you’re right. Scientists have discovered that willpower is a kind of energy that gets spent over the course of your day. Like a muscle that gets tired from exercise, our self-control strength gets sapped by the many decisions, distractions, and stresses we face.

Habit Formation
Are You Sure You Want a Habit?

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on March 4, 2012

Is creating new habits the solution to changing bad behavior? Unfortunately, we aren't so easily programmed (or deprogrammed).

Is creating new habits the solution to changing bad behavior? Unfortunately, we aren't so easily programmed (or deprogrammed).

Self-Control
Try This: Willpower Experiment for Making Smarter, Healthier Choices

Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. on February 15, 2012

Given the choice, would you rather eat a can of curried grasshoppers or a bag of potato chips? If you're feeling a little squeamish, what if some scientist had just discovered that grasshoppers are a miracle food? What if they could prevent cancer, burn off excess fat stores, cure depression, and regrow receding hairlines?

Given the choice, would you rather eat a can of curried grasshoppers or a bag of potato chips? If you're feeling a little squeamish, what if some scientist had just discovered that grasshoppers are a miracle food? What if they could prevent cancer, burn off excess fat stores, cure depression, and regrow receding hairlines?