Will Power and Self Control – See. Perceive. Act.
Do you bristle, former procrastinator, when you hear “will power”? Do you cringe when you read that a mini habit is a very small positive behavior that you force yourself to do every day? Considering Mini Habits by Stephen Guise, I’ve realized that when Guise speaks of will power, he’s speaking of self-control. That’s a fruit of the Spirit, something God wants to develop in us. This puts a whole new light on “force yourself to do.”
Guise writes that forcing ourselves is better than waiting until we “feel like it.” It’s easier. It removes the burden of waiting for motivation. We’re free to act because diligence does not require feeling. Ironically, when we act, the results are motivating.
My new toothbrush has a wonky battery. When I press the button, nothing happens, no spin. So, I proceed to brush my teeth the person-powered way. After a bit, the battery kicks in and the brush spins away just fine.
Rely on motivation and you could wait all week. Take action and motivation will likely show up. Think “action leads to motivation.”
So, motivation is an unreliable way to accomplish goals or form a new habit. (Don’t Feel Motivated?) But isn’t will power unreliable? Doesn’t it weaken and fail? Sometimes. But Guise explains will power is more controllable.
He names three reasons why will power is better: (I’m adding self-control because the same things are true for it.)
- Willpower/self-control is reliable. Forcing yourself to do something no matter what is more dependable than waiting for feelings. That’s because…
- Willpower/self-control grows stronger with use – like a muscle. We can improve our ability to act in spite of feelings.
- Willpower/self-control strategies are schedule friendly. You can plan a behavior and do it without motivation.
Let’s add 4. The Lord empowers us through His Holy Spirit to develop self-control.
In spite of these good points, sometimes will power/self-control falters. Guise names the five biggest drains on will power along with reasons mini habits do NOT drain willpower. Minis preserve and strengthen willpower/self-control.
Effort – Mini habits require so little effort they reduce the chance of burnout. Plus, you accomplish something.
Perceived difficulty – Starting small sets things in motion. Momentum and motivation move in. Starting brings your mind into reality. (“I can do this.”) Even with an intimidating job, the aim of a mini habit is so small, there’s no risk of quitting.
Negative effect (unpleasant feelings) – Your mini habit commitment is so small you won’t feel negative about it. Or, I’d say, you only experience it briefly.
Subjective fatigue (not actual fatigue) – Your perception of the task could hinder you. Acting on a mini habit brings a sense of power and energy.
Glucose levels – Low sugar levels make us feel tired. Mini habits use only a tiny bit of energy and willpower/self-control. They actually provide a boost.
See the need for self-control. Perceive its value. Act by using it.
When do you exercise will power? Making meals, going to work, speaking kindly…
