Train your willpower
Self-Help · Beginner
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Strengthen your self-control by looking after its biological base and avoiding the mental traps that sabotage it, following Kelly McGonigal.
Micro-habits to get started
Small actions of a few minutes to start this habit:
Breathe slowly when tempted
When an urge arrives, slow your breathing for a minute or two before deciding.
Slowing your breathing immediately increases your reserve of self-control.
2 minLook after the physical base
Protect your sleep and avoid making hard decisions when you're exhausted or hungry.
Self-control is biological: it drops with tiredness, stress and lack of sleep.
2 minForgive yourself the slip
After a stumble, drop the guilt and pick it back up: 'that's human, I'm carrying on'. Don't let one slip turn into giving up.
People who forgive themselves a lapse relapse less than those who punish themselves (avoid the 'what the hell' effect).
1 min