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Willpower is overrated.

Michael Inzlicht1, Malte Friese2

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM1C 1A4, Canadamichael.inzlicht@utoronto.ca; www.michaelinzlicht.com.

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Effective self-regulation involves avoiding temptations rather than relying on willpower. The best self-regulators rarely use willpower, as it is fragile and unreliable for goal achievement.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Self-regulation is crucial for achieving goals.
  • Traditional views often emphasize willpower in overcoming temptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the sole reliance on willpower in self-regulation.
  • To highlight the importance of temptation avoidance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on self-regulation strategies.
  • Analysis of the effectiveness of willpower versus avoidance.

Main Results:

  • Willpower is fragile and unreliable for sustained goal pursuit.
  • Avoiding temptations before they arise is a more effective strategy.
  • Highly effective self-regulators minimize their use of willpower.

Conclusions:

  • Rethinking self-regulation strategies beyond willpower is essential.
  • Proactive avoidance is superior to reactive resistance for goal attainment.
  • Future research should focus on strategies for effective temptation avoidance.