I recently read a treatise on dieting which argued that for most people, willpower is absolutely the wrong approach to dieting — for the simple reason that, for most people, willpower fluctuates over time and in response to life events. (I myself remember dropping out of a dieting-support group when my spouse was in a serious accident, saying frankly to the leader, “I’m going to eat my way through this crisis.” But I digress.)
Anyway, I’m wondering what role willpower plays in character development. For example, I have a terrible habit of cursing and rudely gesturing at drivers who annoy me on the road (even though they are virtually never aware of it). At certain points, I have resolved to change this habit, and have even succeeded for periods of time — until the next stress-inducing event, when I backslide.
Is this evidence of my weak character? Perhaps. Or is it that I need to do some work on some underlying issue, such as anger or a violent cast of mind, and willpower will be of limited use until that happens? Or possibly evidence of my lack of reliance on God? (That, almost certainly.) When I’m feeling stuck, as now, I can’t see a path through. Because I (seem to) lack willpower, is it then impossible for me to change?
Hey, please let me know if you figure out the “road rage” stuff. My DH has a really, really serious problem with that. My otherwise semi-sane darling becomes a crazed maniac when he gets behind the wheel. I would love to know what to do about that, because refusing to leave the house with him is not really an option …. and I’m a terrible driver.
ITW
December 17th, 2007
“…for the simple reason that, for most people, willpower fluctuates over time and in response to life events.” — Well, that sounds very healthy to me.
vhaecky
April 5th, 2008