REVIEW: "Willpower. How to develop and strengthen, "Kelly McGonigal
Books / / December 19, 2019
Best master of the one who is able to command a
Arab proverb
Most encyclopaedic dictionary defines the term "willpower" as "property rights, is in its ability to consciously control his mind and actions." Encyclopedia of Philosophy (edited by Doctor of Philosophy Alexander Arkhipovich Ivin) and does definiruet this phenomenon as "... the specific ability, not entirely identical with or different from the mind him. "
Before reading the book Ph.D., psychologist, professor at Stanford University Kelly McGonigal, I felt much the same. I thought (rather abstract) that willpower - a character trait, as a courtesy, or punctuality, someone is inherent, some do not. And when the last pages of the author asked me - the reader - whether changed my idea about the power of will and self-control, I excitedly exclaimed, "Yes!"
"I will" / "I will not" / "I want"
Contrary to the usual presentation, self (read - will power) - is the management of three forces: "I will", "I will not" and "I want."
Firmly promise yourself something - a complex challenge. But even more difficult to accept it. "Tomorrow I'll be smoking 3 cigarettes a day less", "I will begin to run from Monday," - who among us does not allow himself such promises? But only a few have taken the challenge of themselves. Few power of "I am" stronger habits.
Since most of us are not able to resist the temptation. "Just check mail, and then accurately for the work," "Patty smaller pie bigger anyway already ate three pieces" - what only tricks are not going our brain to silence the voice of power, "I will not."
Even quieter in the cacophony of sounds temptations voice of the third component of self - power "I want to." In fact, everyone understands that his true desire - not a cigarette and another hamburger. Deep down, we all want to be healthy and beautiful. But it takes much more time than to meet short-term desires.
Turns out these three forces "live" in the prefrontal cortex of the brain responsible for self-control. Initially, the purpose of this part of the main human body was limited to the so-called primary self-control - management of physical activities (walking, running, grasping). Evolving, the prefrontal cortex become a center of control and psychological operations - thoughts, feelings, actions.
Kelly McGonigal explains how the "I will", "I will not" and "I want" from the point of view of neuroscience. Thereby turning the power of the will, "... the specific ability, not identical to reason" in a clear and logical phenomenon. Every man by nature possesses it. Weak-willed leaving only those who do not seek to know the system of its self-consciousness and self-control.
Enthusiasm!
(Usually, this portion of the reviews called "Impressions" or "Opinion on the read", but this book is so inspired me that the headline or I just can not.)
In the book, all 200 pages with little. This is the total concentration of the facts and information. A single gram of water. narrative language is so ironic and metaphorical, that impression that you read non-fiction and fiction.
Perhaps in no other book I have never seen so many vivid examples, most of which - the world's largest academic research scientists. Psychological processes and phenomena are almost always explained in terms of physiology and sociology of man. And that makes them more understandable.
So, thanks to the heads 4-7, I now know where are and how to develop "traps" that destroy the nines our discipline. And you know why shopaholics, having made one additional purchase, instead of stopping, drained their life savings?
At the beginning of the book the author asks readers to treat it as a product of the experiment. Please follow this call, if you notice that your strength, "I am", "I will not" and "I want" are in disharmony and prevent you reach your goals.
In each chapter, in addition to the main text, there are two sub-sections: "Under the microscope" and "experiment". The first questions are asked, answering that thoughtfully and honestly, you will be able to know yourself more deeply. The second provides tips and exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the willpower. Personally, I had adopted at least two of them.
But even if you are a unique people, a fully owning, (shake your hand), do not think that reading this book will be a waste of time for you. Each page reveals surprising facts and suggests the deep thinking. And if not for the development of will power, for the memories, read the book Kelly McGonigal worth.
Summary
I rarely re-read the book and find myself (sorry) a strong man, but precisely for this product has not yet come back again.
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