What is this mysterious creature, this intangible element, this phantom that we seek for so hard, yet can often never find, or keep control of? This thing called 'willpower' and who really needs it anyway?
For me, I know it. I admit it. I am weak.
Yep. Weak.
I have the willpower of a 6-week old puppy.
But I have come to realize that I don't really need willpower, at least not for most 'avoidance' issues.
How's that?
First, I know I am weak, or at least that I have my weaknesses.
This is a key element. Know your weaknesses, and admit to them. Denial is another issue altogether.
Willpower will only take you so far, and yes, you may actually need it, but how do you succeed when you know your willpower, frankly, is more like will-weakness?
First off, this technique works best for 'not doing' though you can rearrange it at times to work for you in the 'doing' areas of your self-improvement and goal oriented areas of your life and work.
Since I know I am weak, or lack willpower in certain areas, the thing I practice is simple: avoidance.
That's right. Simple, isn't it? Too simple, you say?
Maybe not.
When you know you are prone to giving-in in certain situations, then the best 'willpower' tactic that takes zero willpower is avoidance.
Stay away from situations (and people) that put you in a position that brings out your weaknesses.
If you are trying to stop smoking, you should visit the smoking area at work? sit in the smoking areas at restaurants? drink coffee on your break with 'the smokers'?
Nope.
Stay away. Remove the temptation, or at least reduce it by not putting yourself into situations or being around those people who tempt you.
If you're on a diet, would you go to the all-you-can-eat buffet? Well, depends on the diet I guess, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't.
Allen Williams is a professional educator, speaker and writer. Get a free subscription to the PowerMeUp Newsletter and Goal Setting and Getting Course with a bonus book for a limited time at: http://www.PowerMeUp.com Personal and Professional Growth
"If the world were to blow itself up the last... Read More
"What we need most, is not so much to realize... Read More
All goals take time to accomplish. But most people are... Read More
It is from intentions that all things manifest. To intend... Read More
Interestingly, the word vision can be interchangeable with the word... Read More
One day you will inevitably die. A morbid statement, I... Read More
Too many times we are distracted from our main goal... Read More
So you feel beaten up and bruised and you're ready... Read More
Imagine finally taking off seven coats you've been wearing on... Read More
"Inspiration does not beget action. Action begets inspiration." - Chinese... Read More
The title of this article sounds simplistic but it is... Read More
Most quit smoking books, maybe all of them won't tell... Read More
Perhaps you have never taken a stock of the most... Read More
How many times do you say, "Gee, I wish I... Read More
Whatever you want in life, you have far more chance... Read More
Over time I have come to realize that the three... Read More
"In the factory we make lipstick; in the drugstore we... Read More
Over the years I have experienced some amazing results with... Read More
The three keys to living without limits have always been... Read More
Goal setting is the true secret to success in any... Read More
There is an old way of goal setting and a... Read More
If the 90s British pop sensation 'the Spice Girls' ever... Read More
Everybody has bad habits. Everybody. Now granted, some people have... Read More
"If you keep on doing what you have always done,... Read More
A Mission Statement consists of a short phrase or a... Read More
Many people ask me how they can be more successful.The... Read More
Most people have no problem setting goals. At the same... Read More
Do you know where your company is going? Do you... Read More
Q. I have always had such trouble with doing this... Read More
All too often, we may be envisioning a level of... Read More
"One stroke at a time." In an interview, Tiger Woods... Read More
Before you go on an interview process or even start... Read More
I am sitting in a shopping mall, waiting for my... Read More
Sport is an excellent medium in which to explore the... Read More
Have you ever wondered why some people are just naturally... Read More
We all have goals and dreams that we want to... Read More
There have been so many times in my life where... Read More
You had your new years resolution all set. You knew... Read More
It is natural to be satisfied with the way things... Read More
The most critical attribute for realizing our dreams is integrity.... Read More
What is this mysterious creature, this intangible element, this phantom... Read More
Want a key to unlock your inner wisdom? Try keeping... Read More
Every person who succeeded at a high level, in any... Read More
It is known that the human body sends out vibrations:... Read More
As important as goal setting is, goals alone do not... Read More
"In the factory we make lipstick; in the drugstore we... Read More
Sometimes setting goals alone is not the only problem that... Read More
Everybody has bad habits. Everybody. Now granted, some people have... Read More
As 2005 approaches, many of us are thinking about change.... Read More
What do u wanna be when you grow up?" "... Read More
Goal Setting Goal Setting |