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The Willpower Instinct - Book Review

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A new year, and a new BlogHer Book. Weeee! This month's BlogHer Book Club book is The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal Ph.D.. I was super excited about this book especially with the new year coming up and trying to keep my resolutions for 2013. In the past if I've ever set and started a resolution I always tend to lose motivation, willpower and all self-control sometime around February and then it's completely out the window by March ha!

Dr. Kelly McGonigal starts her book with a "Welcome to Willpower 101" section where she breaks down the definition of willpower, learning to understand why it is we fail, setting a willpower challenge and learning to take your time when you make a change or achieve a goal.

The remainder of the book is broken down in to ten chapters designed to be read over the course of 10 weeks. Although, I read it in one sitting, Ill probably read through it again at the pace Dr. Kelly recommends: one chapter a week to let things soak in really good. I wrote side notes in the margins of things that stood out to me or something I want to remember later. 

Here's a few I thought you might be able to use:

**You know you've met a real willpower challenge because you feel it in your body.
**The good news is that you can learn to shift your physiology into a self-control state when you need your willpower the most.
**Willpower is the ability to do what really matters, even when it's difficult.
**Exercise is a willpower miracle. Fifteen minutes on a treadmill reduces cravings ;) and is as powerful as an antidepressant.
**Self-control doesn't come cheap. It requires effort to fight or flee in an emergency, like eyeing that super delicious turtle chocolate cheesecake in the window shop ;P

If you're needing an extra push to keep those 2013 resolutions, then this book is for you!

This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Comments

  1. HOW WEIRD! okay well it works now. Whenever I clicked over from google reader to the specific post it wasn't there - but finding your blog in general it shows it.

    I am well, 2013 is good to me so far. Going hunting this weekend so I'm excitd to hopefully fill my freezer!

    How are you doll!

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  2. This book looks so interesting! I was so bummed I missed the sign up (I thought I filled out the form but I guess wasn't fast enough, ha). I definitely will be checking this out.

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  3. what a perfect book to read in January when we are all trying to self-improve! willpower really does require fight or flight :)
    floral&fudge

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  4. This sounds like a good one! It's interesting that exercise can help with your willpower by reducing cravings and acting like an antidepressant. I've got to get myself back on a treadmill, stat. :)

    p.s. It looks like I'm a new follower to your blog but mainly because I switched emails that I use to log into my blog... and I'm having to re-follow people so they show up in my reader when I log in! That's all. Happy Sunday chica.

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  5. New follower from Jessica Who. Great book review and perfect for January!

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  6. Great review, I will have to check out this book! I found your blog through the Jessica Who? giveaway and I am so glad I did, I love it and I am now following you!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  7. Thank you for this amazing giveaway!
    Jessica Who sent me! :)
    samantha.tedesco@gmail.com

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  8. Good review, I'll check this book out I was sent by Jessica Who?

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  9. I've been trying to learn self-control for a while now, but I still don't know HOW! Can I read this book online?
    Anyway, I am sent here by Jessica Who. Thank you both for amazing giveaway! :)

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  10. This sounds like a really useful book. Thank you for the review. I will check this book out =D

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  11. Jessica Who sent me! Sounds like a book I'd like.

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