As the holidays roll around, you may find yourself falling prey to the temptation to eat more than usual, drink more than usual, and exercise a lot less. If your willpower is in short supply, don’t despair or berate yourself. It turns out that willpower needs to be rationed.
You’ve probably already noticed that when you’re denying yourself in one area, it’s easier to slip up in another. On a diet? Well then–a little retail therapy is in order. When you’re white knuckling your way through some situation in one area of your life, you may find it harder to stay the course on some other aspect of your routine that requires some discipline. Research conducted by Ellen Bratslavsky, Ph.D. explains why.
Turns out that when we have to hold back in one area, we give in somewhere else. It makes us feel good and makes the effort seem worthwhile. You have only so much willpower to go around. If you use it up in one area, there’s none left to stop you from taking that next bite, sip, or credit card swipe.
For the holidays, this suggests some prioritizing is in order. Figure out what’s most important. Is it your budget or your waistline? Then use your willpower where it matters most. As for me, I’m using spending my willpower on exercising regularly so I won’t have to turn down any of my mom’s great cooking.
This is another area where GTD might help you. By capturing what you want to accomplish and keeping your higher altitudes in mind (think one-to-three year goals), you may find it easier to stay on track, bank your willpower, and spend it where it matters most.
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