Get yourself to take action: ‘The Willpower Instinct’ by Kelly McGonigal Ph.D

In “The Willpower Instinct” by Kelly McGonigal, the importance of willpower in governing productivity, personal choices, and relationships is highlighted. The book emphasizes the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s evolutionary newest region, in exerting self-control by overriding primitive urges. However, like a muscle, using willpower repeatedly can deplete it, making tasks like resisting temptations harder as the day progresses. Two key strategies to boost willpower are increasing heart rate variability, achieved by slowing one’s breathing, and practicing self-forgiveness, which proves more effective than self-criticism. McGonigal’s work provides practical insights into enhancing one’s willpower and offers resources for individuals keen to tackle procrastination.