Will Power vs. Self-Control

I thought this was an interesting article in the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
This could be helpful for people who made New Year’s resolutions in
changing unhealthy habits.

Willpower vs. self-control
It’s often taken for truth that making a lifestyle change is simply a matter of willpower. However, counting on your willpower alone to make a change is often a setup for failure. A more successful strategy is to reduce the need for willpower by relying on planning and self-control skills to make healthy behavior choices more convenient. These examples show the difference between relying on willpower and relying on self-control.

Willpower

• I’ll make a cheesecake for others in the house, but I won’t eat it.

Self-control

• I won’t make a cheesecake, but I can have a slice when I dine out.

Willpower

• I’ll keep liquor for guests, but I won’t drink it myself.

Self-control

• For a while – and perhaps forever – I will not have alcohol in my house.

Willpower

• I’ll stop smoking cold turkey.

Self-control

• Before I stop smoking, I’ll talk to my doctor about ways to ease withdrawal.

Willpower

• We’ll go to the buffet, but I’ll just have salad.

Self-control

• We’ll go to a restaurant that offers small portions and low-fat or vegetarian items

Willpower

• Although I’m tired in the evening, I’m going to get out and walk for 30 minutes every day after dinner.

Self-control

• I’m going to try to walk 15 to 30 minutes in the morning or at lunch. I’ll ask a friend to join me for encouragement