The Power Of Willpower Essay

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Willpower: The Key to Success “Successful people strive no matter what they feel by applying their will to overcome apathy, doubt or fear”. This quote was said by author Dan Millman who lectures in the personal development field. Arguments over the differences between motivation and willpower have always been prevalent. Through blogs, and articles, I have read different opinions on the topics and gotten to understand both sides. Although motivation can inspire great things, ultimately, willpower is why people do what they do. A study was performed to test the effectiveness of motivation in regards to working out, and at first it was working for this woman’s husband. But to really stick to something, you have to be consistent with it, and motivation …show more content…

In an article from The Huffington Post, it says that “willpower is what makes us save for the future rather than splurge now. It helps us to keep our heads down, studying and working when we really don’t feel like it”. Whereas motivation might get tasks done, or help you achieve minor things in life, willpower is what is going to get the job done, or what is going to help you achieve those goals of yours that you never thought were possible. Yes in fact most of this is based on opinion, but here are some facts. A self control researcher, professor Roy Baumeister discovered back in 1999 that willpower shows results. He tested students to exercise their willpower when trying to improve their posture after two weeks. He said “showed a marked improvement on subsequent measures of self-control” when comparing them to a group of students who didn’t work on their posture. When motivation fails, willpower doesn’t. In an article from changing minds it said that even in the face of opposition, a person with strong willpower will still be able to …show more content…

But what's improving your motivation, you’re either motivated, or your not. So many different factors go into whether you do or don’t have motivation at the moment. Everyday you have to make decisions, and resist impulses. Therefore everyday you test your will, and your will is always there. You just have to be mentally tough enough to dig down and find it. When obstructions try to hinder your ability to achieve something, you require even more will. But you have that will. “When something can be done ‘at will’ it means one can act at any time of choosing without hindrance”, this quote goes more into the consistency of willpower in comparison to motivation. Willpower is always there, you can always use willpower. But as stated before, motivation isn’t always there. There will be times when you need to get something done but you won’t because you lack the motivation needed to get that task finished. Your willpower will always be there for you to use even when your motivation is

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