We all hope we can become better. On a New Year's resolution there are too many goals that we expect to achieve. However, over time we've found that we didn't make it. Why? There're some truths that we need to know.
First, we should realize that we're just normal people. We'd like to do anything that other people would do, such as watching shows, hanging out with friends, or unwilling to get up in cold winter.
We hardly reach the peak that brilliant people. If we are unaware of it, we would exaggerate the influence of willpower; we ascribe our failure to some things like "my willpower was weak." or "I didn't try my best." If we understand it, we can admit the limitedness of willpower and find some ways to overcome the weakness of our nature.
Second, willpower is a kind of resource. It's like time or attention and would constantly change.
In the morning we have the best state, because our willpower is full. Many famous authors choose to do the difficult tasks or creative things. They value the precious time. We need to realize that our willpower would weaken. At that moment, we tend to feel overwhelmed and finally give up what we've always been doing. Furthermore, we must have the idea that limited willpower cannot support us well for doing so many things; wanting more could get nothing in the end.
Third, habits reduce the willpower required. Making a change usually relies on habits instead of the willpower. Sure, developing habits is related with large amounts of willpower. But, once a habit is established, we don't need more willpower to support it.
How to build a strong willpower? There're a few methods you can try.
First, external force drives you forward. When there's outside push asking you to do one thing, you would take less willpower; you can keep it at a relatively high level. For instance, if you make a plan, you'd better set a deadline. Or, over time you would constantly remind yourself of the task, in the process your willpower would increasingly weaken and the task seems to become an endless thing.
Second, proper environment is really important. At home, there are so many things that distract you. Every now and then you would make an excuse to do other things, such as 'Too tired, I need to have a rest', or 'very hungry, I eat some cookies' This kind of relaxing atmosphere is not helpful to your work. Instead, if you go to coffee bar or library, you would become more focused because you feel peer pressure.
Third, daily bonus propels you to keep going and not giving up. You set a goal of running or writing. When you begin doing it, you make a mark on a diary. The chain that persistent actions form develops longer and longer when the mark becomes more and more. However, once the chain is broken, your previous daily bonus would disappear. You cannot resist the loss.
We hope to be better, which needs to make a change. For a change, we rely on a constant mini progress. To make a progress, we need to develop a good habit that reduces our willpower required. This is a positive loop. In the middle of it, how to build a strong willpower is the key.
