Willpower

It has been said that The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength or knowledge but a lack of willpower. Having a strong willpower determines many factors in our life; and how we can make many changes for the better. However in today's world it is so easy to lose our will and to follow along the path of others. TV and advertising is probably the biggest source of distraction in today's world, we know what we want and like then advertising tells us its wrong or offers us alternatives.

In order not to fall prey to the will of others we have to remain steadfast and take a tight grip over our willpower. The majority of times through advertisements our willpower is severely stretched to the limits, people will not only try to sell us anything, but also expect us to believe anything. Good examples of this are if we are on a diet and struggling, trying anything to shed a few pounds, then there it is, we are offered a miraculous pill that will help us to lose weight. Not only will it help us to lose weight, it will even do so as we sleep. Now is our willpower so weak that we believe this extraordinary claim? For many it is and they give it a try, only to be sadly disappointed in the fact that not only have they not lost weight but they were fooled into letting their guard and willpower down and being foolish enough to fall for the outrageous claims.

So what exactly is willpower? Willpower is simply self-discipline and believing in what you want to do or become and having the strength and courage to say no and stick to your guns. If you instinctively know something is right or wrong, or you shouldn't do this but instead do that, then this is your willpower talking. There are three main steps to using willpower, the first you make a decision, the second create a plan of action and thirdly follow that plan of action through. It is the third step, actually following through your plan that requires the most willpower.

An easy example of how this works could be if you went on a diet, you needed to lose around 30 pounds or so. You start off well and lose a couple in the first week, your willpower is strong right now and you have good intentions. The following week however, you see an advertisement for your favorite cookies, now your willpower dwindles a little. By the end of the week your willpower will probably need a serious boost and alas you reach for the cookie jar. Your willpower has been exhausted.

In order to sustain your willpower you need a plan. If on a diet then the plan could consist of having plenty of fruit and vegetables knocking around and keeping a written daily journal of your success. Give your willpower all the ammunition it needs, supply it with good ideas for those times when it quavers. Plan on going for walks or exercising during those times, do anything to take your mind off failure and to boost your willpower.

Always remember it's your life and your will, so use it and make the most of it.