Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. It’s also a time when our willpower is tested to the limit. But it’s not just about ditching the chocolate during the 40-day period in the build-up to Easter Sunday. Many believe the power of self-control is key to enjoying greater success in life.
According to willpower expert and author Professor Roy Baumeister, we each have a limited ability to exercise self- control, so it’s crucial to understand how to make the most of it.
In his recent study, Baumeister notes that “self-control seems to rely on a limited energy or strength, such that engaging in a single act of self-control impairs subsequent attempts at self-control.” He also emphasises the importance of self-control in daily life. “It [self-control] is one of the most important and beneficial processes in the human personality structure. “A burgeoning body of evidence has linked good self-control to a broad range of desirable outcomes, including healthier interpersonal relationships, greater popularity, better mental health, more effective coping skills, reduced aggression, and superior academic performance”.
Keen to improve your willpower after reading that list? Us too. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Principle shared her expert advice on how you can improve your self-discipline through Lent and beyond...