"Researchers say we humans have a limited supply of willpower" -- it's an interesting idea but worth noting there are counter-claims.
Particularly, it turns out that this may be self-fulfilling prophecy -- people who subscribe to the limited willpower hypothesis tend to run out of willpower more quickly[1]
What's interesting here, for those looking to practically increase their willpower, is that treating your willpower as delicate and fundamentally limited might be part of the problem.
Personally, I'd like to subscribe to the 'abundant willpower' hypothesis, if that turns out to be the more powerful premise. (But then, I'd also like some cake. What can you do? ;) )
Agreed. His initial example of hunger for one struck me as odd, as hunger is cumulative, so really the only thing that happens when one is continually offered food (one does not really want to eat) on an empty stomach is at some point hunger wins by value, not "attrition".
This whole article would be perfect support for men&women who need a new excuse for their cheating habits.
> I just get so many tempting offers during the day, eventually I had no choice in the matter.
Particularly, it turns out that this may be self-fulfilling prophecy -- people who subscribe to the limited willpower hypothesis tend to run out of willpower more quickly[1]
What's interesting here, for those looking to practically increase their willpower, is that treating your willpower as delicate and fundamentally limited might be part of the problem.
Personally, I'd like to subscribe to the 'abundant willpower' hypothesis, if that turns out to be the more powerful premise. (But then, I'd also like some cake. What can you do? ;) )
[1] http://www.livescience.com/38980-willpower-is-not-a-finite-r...