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Quote by Kelly McGonigal

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The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It

This book draws on research from psychology and neuroscience to explain the biological and mental mechanisms behind self-control. It explores how willpower functions as a limited but trainable resource, influenced by factors such as stress, sleep, and decision fatigue. The text presents evidence suggesting that self-control operates like a muscle that can be depleted through overuse yet also strengthened through regular practice. Readers encounter various exercises and techniques designed to help recognize willpower failures, manage impulses, and develop healthier habits. The work addresses common challenges such as procrastination, temptation, and goal abandonment, while proposing that understanding the science behind self-control can lead to more effective personal change. The material is structured around practical applications, with each chapter focusing on specific aspects of willpower and corresponding strategies for improvement. The book originated from a course taught at Stanford University and reflects an academic foundation translated for general readership. more

Author

Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal

Kelly McGonigal, born on October 21, 1977, is a renowned psychologist. She completed her Ph.D. in psychology at Stanford University and has served as a professor there. McGonigal's research focuses on the intersection of stress, happiness, and health psychology. more

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“You don't need your wrist to ping, you don't need your glasses to ping, you don't need your rear end to ping, you don't need your genitals to ping - ping after ping after ping after ping, and you wonder, why on earth are you so anxious, why on earth you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, why on earth you're consumed by foreboding! That's what abundance does to the brain, when you own more materials than sense - that's what happens when instant dopamine is religiously prioritized over genuine human bond.”