A series of studies show one thing to be a fact about willpower…we only have a limited supply of it. I say again; studies show that human beings only have a limited amount of willpower.  Granted, some folks might have a greater amount than others, but even they have a limited amount.

Here are overviews of some studies – very interesting reading:

Why Willpower Often Fails

The Frontal Cortex and Willpower

Three Effective Ways to Enhance Your Willpower

Willpower Meter

Willpower is what we exercise; it’s what we use, when we want to control ourselves from either doing or not doing something.  The studies show that when we are required to apply/exercise our willpower – it leaves less for the next time (say in a 24 hour period) for us to use towards something else.

In a city like New Orleans – where there are temptations around every bend supporting living an unhealthy lifestyle…can your willpower withstand it all?

Your Willpower Meter

Think about a regular weekday – how often during the day do you exercise your willpower?

To get up early in the morning?

To go to a job you don’t necessarily like?

To not run over the idiots on the road?

To skip buying an expensive coffee at PJ’s or Community Coffee?

To skip eating a piece of King Cake once you’re at work?

To restrain from doing a,b,c at work – like being on twitter all day?

To skip the fried shrimp po-boy for lunch?

To skip going out with friends?

To skip shopping, buying things you can’t afford?

To keep from emailing or calling an ex boyfriend or girlfriend?

To make yourself cook at home instead of ordering out or going through a drive-thru?

To make yourself do the dishes and clean-up before going to bed?

To make yourself go to bed early?

Willpower Meter Exercise

I challenge you to do this for just one day – every time you find yourself having to make yourself do something or not do something; write it down.  Consciously have a look at all the times during a 24 hour period you have to use your willpower.

We have a lot more to talk about willpower and living in New Orleans…but first, I’ll give everyone a little bit of time to do this easy exercise.  Feel free to post your list of things that make you use your willpower in a 24 hour period, in the comment area.