Channeling Willpower
Picture being comfy on the couch after dinner and noticing two things simultaneously - 1. It’s getting windy and cool outside and 2. You haven’t gotten your steps in today. What is going to get you moving? It might be your willpower. According to the Oxford dictionary, willpower is control exerted to do something. Many of us channel our willpower to get through challenging work, work-outs, or complete difficult activities in classes. Those of us in education notice that students face the daily choice between endlessly scrolling on their phones and engaging with peers, instructors, and learning activities. Let’s look at concrete ways that we can tap into willpower to get to our goals (and encourage our learners to do so too)!
Plan for and avoid temptations during study or work time. Does the phone need to be put in another room or just turned off? Silence notifications for a while when you need to focus.
Craft a plan for time management. For example, if you need to catch up on a project and Saturday afternoon is the only time you have open before the due date, plan to tell others that you can’t hang out until the evening because you’ll be working on a project in the afternoon.
Think about your motivations. Why does this work or project or activity matter to you? Are you trying to get a better grade in a class? Are you taking a class to get more pay at work or make a transition in career? Write your ‘why’ on a piece of paper and post it where you can see it to help you focus.
Think you can. Your mindset is crucial. If you believe that your willpower is ever flowing instead of a limited resouce, you will be more likely able to draw on it when you need to.
Fuel your brain. Our brains need glucose (aka blood sugar) and eating regular meals will help your willpower and focus stay steady.
Focus on one goal or task at a time. Your willpower will be diminished if you are overwhelmed.
Source: American Psychology Association
