Willpower: Where Do You Have It, Where Do You Need It?

Getty Images

The NY Times had an interesting opinion piece this week, suggesting that belt-tightening during the economic downturn could have an upside: improved willpower.

I found the piece interesting because, let’s face it, the juggle can’t go ’round without a healthy dose of willpower each day. Some examples: The willpower to climb out of a warm bed and head to work even after being up most of the night with your sick child. The willpower not to reach for the take-out menu after a long day at work, but cook instead. The willpower to, on occasion, leave before everyone else and head home because you promised your child you’d be there. And of course, as John posted about recently, the willpower not to yell at — or in front of — your kids.

Of course, everyone faces tests of willpower each day. But since becoming a working parent with a precisely-tuned routine, I find myself exercising it more frequently or else running the risk of throwing my juggle off track. If my husband and I blow off laundry Sunday night, for example, we may run short of clothes and create a backlog the following weekend. If I don’t force myself to get up early and go running some mornings, I lose the energy boost I get from exercise, and become more prone to getting to sick — risking days off that could be used for childcare emergencies.

My willpower often fails me, however, when it comes to getting to bed early. I know I could use more sleep, but it’s hard for me to turn off the TV or shut my book once I’m in the midst of that evening downtime. Also, I try to cut back on spending by bringing my lunch to work, but often cave to the temptation of the $8 tossed salad or sushi instead leftovers.

The article advises people to “spend your limited willpower budget wisely. . . For example, if you do not want to drink too much at a party, then on the way to the festivities, you should not deplete your willpower by window shopping for items you cannot afford.” The good news, it says, is that the more you practice impulse control, the easier it gets over the long run.

Fellow jugglers, how do you spend your “willpower budget?” Perhaps you are disciplined about bringing your lunch, but splurge on clothes? Or you are good about keeping up with chores — but not with exercise? Tell us about some the daily tradeoffs you make. (And for those who will claim perfect discipline in all things, please do tell us how you got there!)