Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by John Tierney

Willpower delves into the fascinating science behind self-control, revealing how it shapes our lives and offering practical strategies to harness it. Through cutting-edge research and real-world examples, the book explores the mechanisms of willpower, why it often fails us, and how we can strengthen it to achieve our goals. The authors provide actionable advice on setting realistic goals, monitoring progress, and maintaining motivation, making this a comprehensive guide to mastering self-control. /n/n Beyond the practical tips, Willpower also examines the broader implications of self-control on happiness, health, and financial security. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on how self-control can be cultivated and maintained. By blending scientific insights with engaging storytelling, the book makes complex concepts accessible and provides readers with the tools they need to take control of their lives.

Reviews

Adam Alonzi · Adam Alonzi · 2017-04-30

rewarding 4.25

The book is a rewarding read, filled with ingenious research and wise advice. It offers insightful reflections on the human condition and practical experiments to improve daily life.

Adam Alonzi finds this book to be immensely rewarding, packed with clever research and practical advice. He appreciates how the authors blend scientific findings with real-world applications, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand and improve their self-control. The book's insights into the human condition are particularly noteworthy, offering a deeper understanding of why we behave the way we do. Alonzi also highlights the practical experiments suggested in the book, which can help readers apply the concepts to their daily lives. It's a book that will leave you feeling more informed and empowered to take control of your actions and decisions.

Quick quotes

Willpower is an immensely rewarding book, filled with ingenious research, wise advice and insightful reflections on the human condition.

You will look for practical experiments that shows the importance of will power for our daily life tasks.

I've read it, it's good light reading. Baumeister is a pretty serious researcher, and has done a lot of interesting work.

The Objective Standard · 2012-02-19

fascinating 3.75

The book is both fascinating and useful, though it can be frustrating at times. It highlights the importance of effective willpower use in achieving a fulfilling life.

This book is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's incredibly fascinating and useful, offering a deep dive into how willpower works and why it's so crucial. You'll find yourself nodding along as the authors explain how self-control can lead to a more fulfilling life. On the other hand, it can be a bit maddening at times, especially if you're looking for quick fixes or simple answers. The book doesn't shy away from the complexities of human behavior, which can make it a bit of a challenging read. But if you stick with it, you'll come away with a much better understanding of how to use your willpower more effectively. It's a book that will make you think, and that's a good thing.

Quick quotes

The result is a fascinating and useful, if sometimes maddening, book—one that shows how using willpower effectively is essential to achieving 'a great life.'

It's a book that shuns Old School moralizing — no 'sermons against bare ankles' here, they promise — in favor of data collected during research.

Ultimately, self-control lets you relax because it removes stress and enables you to conserve willpower for the important challenges.

AARP · 2011-09-01

insightful 4.00

The book avoids traditional moralizing in favor of data-driven insights, making it a refreshing read. It offers practical advice and scientific research on willpower, making it accessible and engaging.

This book is a breath of fresh air because it ditches the old-fashioned moralizing and focuses on real data. Instead of telling you what to do, it shows you how willpower works through studies and practical tips. It's like having a friendly chat with a scientist who's figured out the secrets to self-control. You'll walk away feeling more informed and maybe even a bit more in control of your own life. The authors make complex ideas easy to understand, so you don't need a PhD to get something out of it. It's a great read if you're looking to understand how to harness your willpower effectively.

Quick quotes

It's a book that shuns Old School moralizing — no 'sermons against bare ankles' here, they promise — in favor of data collected during research.

The book is about self-control. It's about 75% light scientific talk on the concept of willpower and 25% advice.

The result is a fascinating and useful, if sometimes maddening, book—one that shows how using willpower effectively is essential to achieving 'a great life.'

Appears in Lists

Best Books On Self Discipline