“Out with the old, in the new.” It’s a familiar refrain at this time of year. With the advent of another year comes the opportunity to set resolutions for the coming 12 months. It’s also the customary time for cynics to predict how long until their friends and colleagues break their resolutions.
So the question becomes: Is it inevitable that most of us cannot break out of the habits that we would like to change and/or accomplish new objectives? (E.g. my perpetual resolution to lose 10 pounds.)
For those who think they are unable to be the agent of change that they are seeking to be, a new book provides a guide to help those trying to harness their inner self for positive change.
In her new book, “The Willpower Instinct”, Stanford University psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains the new science of self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve health, happiness and productivity. In a recent interview on National Public Radio, McGonigal made some compelling points regarding why people fail in carrying out their resolutions.
The book is based on the latest research and combines cutting-edge insights from psychology, economics, neuroscience and medicine. “The Willpower Instinct” explains exactly what willpower is, how it works and why it matters. It covers topics that include:
- Willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue. It is a biological function that can be improved through mindfulness, exercise, nutrition and sleep.
- Willpower is not an unlimited resource. Too much self-control can actually be bad for your health.
- Temptation and stress hijack the brain’s systems of self-control, but the brain can be trained for greater willpower.
- Guilt and shame over setbacks lead to giving in again, but self-forgiveness and self-compassion boost self-control.
- Giving up control is sometimes the only way to gain self-control.
- Willpower failures are contagious. A person can catch the desire to overspend or overeat from their friends, but they can also catch self-control from the right role models.
One of the book’s most intriguing points is that self-imposed guilt is actually counterproductive when falling short of goals. When people dwell on a misstep, it actually inhibits their ability to refocus on accomplishing their goals.
Another interesting point emphasizes what many parents try to reinforce with their kids: Be careful of the company you keep, as companions can help you or hinder you depending on their habits. One view is to consider the norms and culture of the agency. Is the staff encouraged to focus on professional development, community involvement and nurturing employees with less tenure?
As 2012 begins, it may be effective to consider McGonigal’s insights to first recenter yourself with some helpful introspection and then work on your resolutions. I know that as I once again develop my list this year—and of course, my wife has her list of her resolutions for me—I’ll try a different approach.
In addition, this advice from well-known sage Mark Twain may also help you with your list of resolutions: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Dave Evans (
dave.evans@iiaba.net)
is a certified financial planner and an IA l-h contributing editor.