

#2136
Mentioned in 12 episodes
The willpower instinct
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
Book • 2011
In 'The Willpower Instinct,' Kelly McGonigal explains the science behind self-control and provides practical strategies to enhance willpower.
The book is based on her 10-week course at Stanford University and covers topics such as the physiology of self-control, the role of stress and dopamine, and techniques like meditation and breathing exercises to improve willpower.
McGonigal breaks down willpower into three categories: 'I will' (doing things that improve your life), 'I won’t' (avoiding things that undermine your health and happiness), and 'I want' (focusing on long-term goals).
The book offers experiments and challenges to help readers apply the theories in their daily lives and improve their overall health, happiness, and productivity.
The book is based on her 10-week course at Stanford University and covers topics such as the physiology of self-control, the role of stress and dopamine, and techniques like meditation and breathing exercises to improve willpower.
McGonigal breaks down willpower into three categories: 'I will' (doing things that improve your life), 'I won’t' (avoiding things that undermine your health and happiness), and 'I want' (focusing on long-term goals).
The book offers experiments and challenges to help readers apply the theories in their daily lives and improve their overall health, happiness, and productivity.
Mentioned by


































Mentioned in 12 episodes
Mentioned by 

in the context of willpower and self-discipline.


Tim Pychyl

1,066 snips
World's Leading Expert On How To Solve Procrastination - Dr Tim Pychyl
Mentioned by 

as one of 

's best-selling books on willpower.


Matt Abrahams


Kelly McGonigal

298 snips
183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
Mentioned by 

as one of Kelly's best-selling books on willpower.


Matt Abrahams

107 snips
69. Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
Mentioned by 

as a previous book written by 

.


Dan Harris


Kelly McGonigal

83 snips
How to Create an Exercise Habit Without Driving Yourself Nuts | Kelly McGonigal
Mentioned by 

as the sister of Jane McGonigal and author of "The Willpower Instinct", a book previously covered on the podcast.


Joe Buleg

73 snips
78: Ultralearning by Scott Young
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to self-forgiveness and the importance of self-compassion.

Jemma Sbeg

28 snips
162. Why do I feel guilty all the time?
Mentioned by 

as describing willpower as a muscle that gets tired with use.


Tara Brach

18 snips
Relaxing the Over-Controller - Part 1 (2017-04-26)
Mentioned by 

as one of her books, focusing on the science of willpower and self-control.


Rich Roll

Kelly McGonigal Wants You To Fall In Love With Movement
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

and ![undefined]()

during their discussion about lasting behavior change.

Jordan Syatt

Michael Vacanti

You Are What You Eat, Bogus Email List Tactics, Lasting Behavior Change, and More...
Mentioned by 

as the source of today's wisdom on willpower.


Brian Johnson

The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing methods for soothing feelings.

Dr. Neal Malik

2771: How to Heal Your Relationship with Your Body in 5 Words by Lizzie Merritt on Compassion & Gratitude
Mentioned by 

in the context of willpower and its role in achieving goals.


Mike Schmitz

111: Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
Mentioned by 

as a great resource for understanding willpower as an internal conflict.


Abby Medcalf

187. 5 Research-Backed Ways to Have More Self-Discipline and Self-Control
Mentioned by 

as one of the author's books.


Michelle McQuaid

Are You Moving Enough To Build Hope Molecules? with Kelly McGonigal
Mentioned by 

as one of 

's books.


Jenny Blake


Kelly McGonigal

40: The Upside of Stress with Kelly McGonigal
Mentioned by 

as one of the author's books.


Lewis Howes

1006 The Positive Side of Stress & Science of Self-Control w/Kelly McGonigal
Mentioned by 

as the book where 

explores willpower, self-control, and how to improve it.


Brett McKay


Kelly McGonigal

#531: How to Best Harness Your Willpower
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

for its connection between growth mindset and strengthening the prefrontal cortex.

Duane Osterlund

TAM+ EP 60: Rewiring Your Recovery: The Power of a Growth Mindset
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a complementary read to Deep Work, focusing on willpower.

Dave Vance

Deep Work by Cal Newport