The Willpower Instinct

Main Ideas

• Willpower is viewed as a skill that can be developed and strengthened, much like a muscle.
• The book offers scientific research and practical exercises to improve self-control and impulse management.
• One key idea is understanding that willpower depends on energy levels and can be depleted throughout the day.
• The author emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and meditation as tools to enhance willpower.
• Kelly McGonigal explains how stress and negative emotions can undermine willpower and offers strategies for managing them.
• The book introduces the concept of the 'three powers of will': 'I will', 'I won't', and 'I want', which aid in achieving goals.
• The author examines the influence of environment and habits on willpower and suggests ways to modify them to support self-control.
• Kelly McGonigal discusses the role of self-compassion and forgiveness in strengthening willpower.