Where do we see this?
We use up a lot of willpower when we decide to go to the gym despite being tired from a lack of sleep, feeling stressed about a project you need to finish for work, and having 100 errands to do before the weekend. It takes a lot of willpower to make the decision to get out of bed and go to the gym.
On the other hand, it takes very little willpower to get dressed in the morning, brush our teeth, take a shower, and eat breakfast.
What to do with this:
Willpower is related to our overall energy levels. Sleep, rest, good nutrition, and a high level of general fitness lead to elevated levels of energy and willpower. Things that tax us physically, mentally, and emotionally drain our willpower.
However, doing difficult things can also build up our capacity to take even more difficult actions (thus training willpower like a muscle).
Willpower exertion must be combined with willpower replenishment. If willpower is low, take a step back and reevaluate how you can replenish it with rest and recovery.
Best,
Andrew Zimmermann
[email protected]
@andrewzimmbd