Have Willpower

Willpower is nothing but the power of choice. When you begin to see the choices in each of the decisions that you make, and start to consciously choose what you decide on, you will develop a good amount of willpower!

Steps

 * 1)  Become aware of situations where you feel you lack a choice (in other words, where you lack willpower). If need be write it down.
 * 2)  Identify a way in which you can do whatever you feel you're forced to do, but in a way that you will enjoy it. Give yourself a reward every time you do something which you do not like (lacked will power to do earlier) literally you are bribing yourself.
 * 3) If you are a slow learner, force yourself to take action on small decisions, like taking out the garbage. Once you finish the task, look back and feel good for having conquered one small piece of a big task.
 * 4)  Move on to big decisions once you find yourself getting more and more successful with small tasks. It is important that you reflect back on your task and feel good for having conquered a task.
 * 5)  Become aware of the fact that without will power we are nothing short of weaklings who don't have any zest.
 * 6)  Refuse to be lazy. Overcome habitual procrastination by deciding right this minute that you are hard-working and able to do anything that you set your mind to.
 * 7)  Focus on the long term benefit of using willpower and discipline to reach your goal. This alone should motivate you to keep going no matter what.
 * 8)  Push yourself to do the next right thing toward your goal. Mental strength comes from overcoming challenges and hurdles. What's uncomfortable today becomes a habit tomorrow if you push hard through the discomfort of something new and different.
 * 9)  Complete tasks done as they present themselves. Waiting for something to happen to relieve you from a task further weakens your mind into thinking you can't do what you need to do.
 * 10)  Set small daily goals and get them done no matter what. Practicing self discipline on a daily basis strengthens your willpower.
 * 11)  Start an exercise program or a healthy eating plan and commit to it for a designated amount of time.
 * 12)  Motivate yourself to practice willpower by rewarding yourself for your accomplishments. Set up your rewards ahead of time so that you know what you're working toward.

Tips

 * If you lack patience, identify some of the big things where you feel you lack willpower, and go and take massive action in that area. Ex: If you fail to do your term paper on time, do it in the beginning of the term instead. An important part of this strategy is to take massive actions in as many areas as possible (with lots of decisions). The brain learns either through habituation or through massive action.
 * It is important to feel good while taking action or after taking action. The brain is hedonistic in nature. It likes to feel good. Even if you do not like doing something, do it regardless, and then feel good for having conquered.
 * Having fun while doing it, if possible. This is perhaps the best way to learn anything new.
 * Try doing things you don't normally do (i.e. doing dishes or giving your seat away).
 * Write yourself a letter that you will see every day saying "you can do this."

Warnings

 * Do not be discouraged by intial failure; keep taking massive action even when you face failure.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Have a Hobby
 * How to Have Courage
 * How to Have an Attitude
 * How to Have a Healthy Relationship
 * How to Have More Endurance

Sources and Citations

 * Develop will power