Powerlessness & Willpower

Whether you consider yourself to be addicted to something or not, everyone alive has experienced powerlessness in some form or another. There are always going to be things in life we just need to accept that we cannot control. Still, the idea of powerlessness sometimes can distract people from the other side of the coin which can be of equal importance. As critical as it can be to accept powerlessness when needed, it is also necessary not to overlook the value of the age old concept of willpower. What is willpower?

Willpower - noun

1. The ability to control oneself and determine one's actions

2. Firmness of will

Synonyms:  determination, self-control, discipline, resolve, self-restraint

Progress and success in just about any life area requires some degree of willpower in one form or another. Think about the willpower you needed to achieve goals in your life including, for example, graduating high school, career goals, building a family, and many others life areas where you needed to put in some work in order to grow and prosper.

For discussion, consider the following aspects of willpower. Discuss what each one means to you by thinking of some examples in your own life. Then at the end go back and identify the areas discussed that you may need to work on:

Willpower and Patience: The power to delay immediate gratification for the greater long term good

Willpower and Thinking: The ability to overpower an unwanted thoughts, cravings or urges

Willpower and Emotion: The power to experience emotions without impulsively letting these emotions control our words and actions

Willpower and Self-Regulation: The ability to be conscious of your desires without giving in to them

Willpower and Resources: The ability to ration your money, time and other resources without wasting them or burning through them too quickly

Willpower and Ego: The ability to share, let go of power, and give up the need to try to control other people

Willpower and Letting Go: Possessing the power let go or give in when something negative has a hold on us

Willpower and Fear: The ability to experience fear and apprehension yet still press forward

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