Willpower

Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

By: Roy F. Baumeister, John Tierney

Narrated by: Denis O'Hare

One of the world's most esteemed and influential psychologists, Roy F. Baumeister, teams with New York Times science writer John Tierney to reveal the secrets of self-control and how to master it.

Pioneering research psychologist Roy F. Baumeister collaborates with New York Times science writer John Tierney to revolutionize our understanding of the most coveted human virtue: self-control. Drawing on cutting-edge research and the wisdom of real-life experts, Willpower shares lessons on how to focus our strength, resist temptation, and redirect our lives. It shows listeners how to be realistic when setting goals, monitor their progress, and how to keep faith when they falter. By blending practical wisdom with the best of recent research science, Willpower makes it clear that whatever we seek - from happiness to good health to financial security - we won’t reach our goals without first learning to harness self-control.

©2011 Roy F. Baumeister (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The psychologist Roy F. Baumeister has shown that the force metaphor has a kernel of neurobiological reality. In Willpower, he has teamed up with the irreverent New York Times science columnist John Tierney to explain this ingenious research and show how it can enhance our lives.... Willpower is an immensely rewarding book, filled with ingenious research, wise advice and insightful reflections on the human condition." (Steven Pinker, The New York Times Book Review)

"An accessible, empirically grounded guide to willpower and how best to deploy it to overcome temptation." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Willpower is sure to inspire further groundbreaking research into the mechanics of willpower. One implication is already apparent. Since repeated behaviors eventually turn into habits, improving willpower long term requires a unique strategy - a habit of changing habits, of continually expanding our zones of comfort. One such practice, it seems, is the 'routine' of learning. That's a habit that this brilliant book will certainly nourish." (The Daily Beast)

very good and scientific

very good and scientific. useful information and it gives historical accounts which help me remember the details.

Examples

Definitely can help improve willpower. Research examples highlight what the writer is trying to get across

I loved it so much I bought the paperback book too

It's a great book with lost of scientifical studies throughout. I found a couple points to be a little outdated but over all great read.

Knowing I have the ability to get better with self control

Absolutely love the purpose and takeaways from this book. Story was great but so much content on different studies made it hard to follow at times. Definitely recommend!

Enjoyable and useful

Authoritative, illuminating, enjoyable and useful. Great complement to other modern psychology titles I’ve read recently.

Fantastic Content Applicable to Everyone

This book itself is not exciting; however, the positive effect that this information can have on your life is cause for excitement. Baumeister explains how every day we have a limited amount of willpower and gives us tips and tricks to make the most of it, along with how to strengthen willpower over time. This book has helped and will continue to help me make the most of my willpower as I implement recommended practices into my life.

Great Read

Some of this was a little dry and technical but very informative and really made me think. Great job!

Scientific

Learned so much from this book! Implementing it is hard but it doesn’t have to be.

Get on the right path

Denis did a fantastic job of personalizing material that had a more critical subject matter. The reading was done well. The book itself not only can get you on the road to recovery but also serves as a stepping stone to understanding the control we have over ourselves with plenary of real world examples.

Really solid and enlightening book

It has changed the way I percieve will power, and modern life. Instead of seeing will power (and the lack of it) as a question of guilt and character defects, it shows a nuanced picture with lots of surprising facts