Need Some Willpower? Watch Reality TV


We slowly run out of willpower throughout the course of the day and as we do, our self-control strength drops down to the point where it’s hard to make good choices. However, you can restore a little bit of that willpower. One way, as suggested by Dr Kelly McGonigal in Psychology Today is to watch some reality television.

Along with a light snack, a cute YouTube video, an afternoon nap and even an espresso, reality television is a simple way you can recover some of your lost willpower and continue making smart decisions throughout the day. McGonigal explains why:

Research shows that willpower can be contagious. You can “catch” extra self-control just by seeing someone else pursue a goal. Many reality shows feature people working hard to overcome obstacles — whether it’s losing weight, facing their fears, or even just organising their clutter. A little entertainment inspiration can help you find your own strength. (Caveat: You can also catch temptation. So if you want to keep self-control high, steer clear of the shows that feature spectacular lapses of judgment and self-control.)

That means you probably don’t want to throw on an episode of the Jersey Shore, but if you can find one of those inspirational shows where someone is overcoming adversity it might give you the willpower boost you need.

Five Temptations That Actually Boost Your Willpower [Psychology Today]


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