Donuts in the office but you’re trying to cut sugar intake? Willpower steps in to hopefully steer you away from the tempting treats. Research has shown, however, that willpower has limits; we can only utilize willpower so many times before we run out. Much like a tank of gasoline, you work best by constantly refueling to avoid being stranded between a rock and a hard place.
When you think about willpower, goal setting is one of it’s BFFs; without a focal point (your ultimate goal), the willpower has no purpose. It makes sense, then, to understand just how your goal setting can condition your willpower and actually help increase your “miles per gallon,” so to speak. Mindfulness is just a part of the process to ensure that you get there.
A Means To A Mantra We’ve seen it everywhere; health gurus, alternative healers, and psychologists alike are constantly gushing about the benefits of using mantras in everyday life. There is nothing more instilling and inspiring than finding the right mantra to gently slide you back to your center. This is mindfulness at the core-- taking the time to reflect internally and experience the world in the moment. Think of your center as the moment when the ignition has fired and the engine is whirring; you are already past the effort of waking it up and are ready to cruise. Sometimes, your vehicle needs a bit of inspiration to start rolling. A simple way to find your mantra is to make a list of 10 people, places, or things that inspire you. After creating your list, quickly jot down two nouns that you’d like to embody when you’re at your best. For example, let’s say two inspiring items are marathon runners and mountains, and the embodiment item is a strong grizzly bear. If you are looking to cultivate more determination, your customized mantra could be: I am a strong grizzly bear, staying the course like a marathon runner and stable as a mountain. Sure, there are simple mantras that other people have published and written. However, by taking the time to tap into your innermost dreams and wishes, your mantra will carry more meaning and give you a greater source of fuel that will burn for a longer amount of time. Remember to use your mantra before undergoing a “drive” of willpower, or when you’re feeling like the gas tank is running low. |
Ever wonder why you tend to feel exhausted after starting a new routine for a few weeks? It’s extremely tough to break a habit, and once you reach the magical point where it becomes like normal it’s unbearable. Luckily, there are a few ways to constantly wake up your brain and become more mindful. In turn, your vehicle will run smoothly and safely for years.
Waking up your brain is like getting the oil change or fluids topped up; you’re protecting the basic structure of your vehicle and conditioning all of the working parts that are in charge of driving (using willpower).
Choose one day a week to do everything you can with your opposite hand (or leg). If you tend to hop into your jeans with your right leg first, stop yourself and use your left leg.
Change up which hand you have phone conversations with.
Every time you use a limb, try to catch yourself and switch it up!
The brain has deeply rooted pathways to make every event in your life easier; habits and routines are just a part of the brain’s function. However, by forcing these connections (called synapses) to change their typical connection, you effectively open up the capability of your willpower to flex and change with more difficult situations in the future. Additionally, the chance for burnout or boredom is significantly decreased! This is more of a mindfulness game, rather than cultivation, but it’s a necessary step in securing the long term health of your willpower and brain function.
Feeling inspired yet? Which ways will you exercise your willpower today? Share your goals with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtags #rylwellnesswednesday and #roswellyogalife!