“All too often, we use our fancy brains not to make the most strategic decisions, but to give ourselves permission to act more irrationally.”

All of us have experienced temptation for something counterproductive to our aims. For example, if you are on a strict diet...

“We may think that guilt motivates us to correct our mistakes, but it’s just one more way that feeling bad leads to giving in.”

Forgiving yourself for your failures is a step-by-step process. The first step will help you acknowledge what you are feeling, instead of...

“Willpower failures might be contagious, but you can also catch self-control.”

It is very easy to fall back into old, negative habits when we are around others indulging in the same ones. Reminding yourself of your goals, and surrounding yourself with others who sh...

“When you are chronically stressed, your body continues to divert energy from long-term needs such as digestion, reproduction, healing injuries, and fighting off illnesses to respond to the constant stream of apparent emergencies.”

Stress will cloud your mind and k...

“Progress can be motivating, and even inspire future self-control, but only if you view your actions as evidence that you are committed to your goal.”

Rewards and punishments can help us stay on track with our goals, but they can also distract us from them. If rewarding or punishing yoursel...