Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

In their best-selling book, Willpower, social psychologist Roy Baumeister and journalist John Tierney explore the influence of willpower and self-control on our lives, success, and well-being and how we can manage our willpower to our advantage.

With every decision we make throughout the day, we deplete energy. The less energy our brain has available, the more difficult it becomes for us to make further decisions. At the same time, we have less control over our emotions and needs and become more easily irritable.

Instead of actively deciding, we act impulsively, rely on our habits, and tend toward short-term rewards. For example, we check our email inbox or social media feed to satisfy our brain with passive consumption instead of pursuing our long-term plans.

However, it doesn't have to be this way.

By getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet, especially with a steady supply of glucose through slow-burning carbs, we can keep our energy levels constant. By adopting good habits and shedding bad ones, we will automatically act in our own interest without actively deciding, thus consuming energy. However, we should not overwhelm ourselves and make changes gradually because change itself requires willpower, and the more changes we make simultaneously, the lower the probability of success.

The book is written in an easily understandable and entertaining manner. A wealth of exciting research findings and case studies from various areas of life support the author’s explanations. The recommended strategies are practical and can be implemented well. A recommendation for anyone looking to improve their self-control and achieve their long-term goals.

Suitable as an audiobook? Yes.