The Teachings / Internal Sports

Willpower

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Real willpower leads to the practice of self mastery.

It is easy to do the things you like to do or want to do… What is not so easy is to do what you don’t want or like to do, what you don’t feel like doing, but that you know and understand you must do. This is what real willpower is all about.

Real willpower leads to the practice of self mastery and permits one to achieve real maturity and to advance assuredly along the path of success.

• Have you successfully decided to stop smoking?
• Are you able to give up foods that are not good for you?
• Do you go to the gym regularly?
• Can you get up when you decide to do so regardless of whether you need to get to work or not?
• Do you always complete what you have proposed?
• Can you do without watching TV?

Willpower and enthusiasm are closely related since if one is able to be  enthusiastic about something, one is close to conquering willpower. In fact, willpower is “contained enthusiasm that is sustained by reason and consciousness.”

Practice: Do You Have Willpower? Prove it!

• Get up just five minutes earlier than the time you regularly wake up.
• Don’t eat between meals.
• Limit the time you spend in front of the TV.
• When you talk by phone, talk only about what is absolutely necessary.
• Be especially kind to people you don’t like.