Your brain is like a bunch of clay. You can shape it and mold it through deliberate effort. You can do this because of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire in response to learning new ideas and engaging in new activities. Any change in your knowledge, abilities, or behavior produces physical changes in the brain.1 The choices you make determine how the clay is molded. But unlike a bunch… Read More »The Clay Never Dries
We’ve all been there: Having a third helping of dessert at a party Telling yourself you’ll just watch one episode and then binge-watching an entire season Skipping your workout Hitting the snooze alarm seven times Losing your cool over a minor setback Dropping your new meditation habit after just three days When self-control collapses in the face of temptation, or when self-discipline is overpowered by the urge to be lazy,… Read More »4 Ways to Deal with Willpower Failures Well
Willpower comes in many forms and has many names. To make yourself go for a run when you don’t want to, you’ll need “self-discipline.” If you need to overcome procrastination and start a project, you’ll need “work ethic.” To keep going when you’re exhausted, you’ll need “determination.” If you’d rather watch a movie than do your chores, you’ll need to exercise “delayed gratification.” To resist the temptation of eating dessert… Read More »Smart Willpower Strategy
Last Friday marked the three-year anniversary of my sobriety. I was a marijuana addict for about a decade, with phases of alcoholism and pain pill abuse sprinkled in here and there. My decision to become clean and sober for the rest of my life has been a resounding success. Since quitting, my physical and mental health have improved dramatically, and I’ve consistently moved in the right direction both personally and… Read More »The River