Willpower Doesn’t Work

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

There is no such thing as willpower! One’s ability to exert control something, restrain from temptation or impulses is as good as winning the lottery. In this eye-opening read, Benjamin Hardy explores the fallacy of willpower. Whether it exists or not, in Hardy’s research and personal experience he has come to realise that willpower doesn’t work.

In this book you will be exposed to the insightful research of both science and psychology behind the notion of willpower, proving that it is indeed a wasted pursuit. On top of this, Hardy shares marvellous techniques and methods that will help you gain control of your life and success.

The bold claim is that if you can create goal-enriching environments to help outsourcing desired behaviours you can implement lasting personal change, increased performance, productivity and creativity, among other things. As biological beings, we are not in control of how we behave within our given environment. However, we do have the ability to some extent to ensure what’s in front of us will not distract us from our dreams, desires and life’s pursuit.

The book starts off with a bang, highlighting why it is our environment that shapes our lives, not willpower. Historically humans have evolved to adapt to their environment. The greatest men or monumental achievements throughout history haven’t been developed by willpower or luck but by circumstance. Those that have pushed through challenging situations have come out the other end stronger and victorious. Why? Because they knew how to adapt to their environment.

I love this concept, and it had me intrigued and hooked from the get-go. I started to think about all the silly little habits, addictions and annoying behaviours that have influenced my past. I began to reflect on the number of times I tried to exert self-control in attempt to defeat such undesirable behaviours, only to fail time and time again. I then thought about those times in which I merely changed my environment, and when I did, how noticeably easier it was to implement the desired change.

We are a product of our upbringing and past experience, combined with our current situation and environment. If we can navigate our way through challenges that confront us we can fend off temptation and stay focused on the path ahead. Hardy shares strategies that can be used to stay motivated and adapt to demanding environments.

For all those situations that we find it difficult to maintain “willpower”, we can tackle the obstacles by removing them altogether. Clutter and temptation are distractions and will always slow down even the most determined individual. Clean it up and clear it out. Change your environment, and you will change. In part two, Hardy delves into studies and purposeful practices that anyone can adopt in efforts to make willpower irrelevant.

Packed with joy and a tonne of gold, this book satisfies my interests. Benjamin Hardy holds a PhD in organisational psychology and is a highly read contributor at medium.com. Writing on topics of personal development, psychology and productivity. Inc. said, if you only read one book this year, make it this one. I’d tend to agree! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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