A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand cover image

S2. Ep 4 - Does willpower even exist?

A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand

CHAPTER

The Importance of Willpower

Willpower is the ability to resist short-term temptations in order for some sort of longer-term gain. George Bernard Shaw put it much better than I could when he said to choose the line of greatest advantage rather than yielding in the direction of least resistance. Many mental health problems are associated with a conflict between an immediate impulse to do something and something that is not in your longer-term interests. The exertion of too much willpower causes a kind of muscle fatigue, if you like.

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