Student Article
Five Hacks to Supercharge Your Willpower
Resolution (noun): A promise to yourself to do something.
Temptation (noun): Something that makes you want to do something, especially something bad.
Willpower (noun): The ability to control your actions and make good decisions.
Mindfulness (noun): Being aware and focused on the present moment.
Want to stick to your New Year's resolutions? Here are five science-backed tips to boost your willpower!
1. Keep the sweets
It might seem like a good idea to throw away leftover Christmas sweets to avoid temptation, but don't. In a study, students who had to resist eating sweets later ate fewer M&Ms than those who didn't face the temptation. Learning to resist temptation can strengthen your willpower.
2. Swill a sugary drink
You don't need to swallow a sugary drink to boost your willpower. Research shows that swilling a sugary drink around your mouth and spitting it out can increase your willpower for tasks like squeezing a hand grip or solving brain teasers.
3. Focus on one resolution
Trying to tackle too many New Year's resolutions at once can be overwhelming. Studies suggest that focusing on one goal at a time, like practicing your daily soccer drills, is more effective than trying to achieve multiple goals simultaneously.
4. Control your environment
Our surroundings can influence our behavior. For example, watching TV might prompt you to eat snacks. Recognize these cues and try to change your environment to avoid them.
5. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation can improve your willpower. In an experiment, people who practiced mindfulness performed better on tasks after watching disgusting videos without showing any reaction. Focusing on your breathing can help you stay calm and focused.
© Andy Ridgway / Our Media
Resolution (noun): A promise to yourself to do something.
Temptation (noun): Something that makes you want to do something, especially something bad.
Willpower (noun): The ability to control your actions and make good decisions.
Mindfulness (noun): Being aware and focused on the present moment.