Willpower: Rediscovering Our Greatest Strength

Can you resist everything except temptation? In a hedonistic age full of distractions, its hard to possess willpower - or in fact even understand why we should need it. Yet its actually the most important factor in achieving success and a happy life, shown to be more significant than money, looks, background or intelligence. This book reveals the secrets of self-control. For years the old-fashioned, even Victorian, value of willpower has been disparaged by psychologists who argued that were largely driven by unconscious forces beyond our control. Here Roy Baumeister, one of the worlds most esteemed and influential psychologists, and journalist John Tierney, turn this notion on its head. They show us that willpower is like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice. The latest laboratory work reveals that self-control has a physical basis and so is dramatically affected by simple things such as eating and sleeping - to the extent that a life-changing decision may go in different directions depending on whether its made before or after lunch. You will discover how babies can be taught willpower, the joys of the to-dont list, the success of Alcoholics Anonymous, the pointlessness of diets and the secrets to David Blaines stunts. There are also fascinating personal stories, from explorers, students, soldiers, ex-addicts and parents. Based on years of psychological research and filled with practical advice, this book will teach you how to gain from self-control without pain, and discover the very real power in willpower. The results are nothing short of life-changing.