The fascinating power of willpower
In the aftermath of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, a compelling story unfolded—one that transcended mere survival. Imagine being trapped under debris for five gruelling days, your legs pinned, your body dehydrated, and your hope flickering away. This was Zainab’s reality. Buried alive, she faced an unimaginable choice: surrender to despair or summon the force within her. With sheer determination, she clawed through the rubble, inch by agonizing inch, until rescue workers finally pulled her to safety. Zainab’s survival showcased the extraordinary power of willpower—the force that propels us beyond our perceived limits.
Willpower within us all
Each of us can dig into our own experiences and find a story that is a testament to the willpower, we have been through. We all have stories of passing exams, overcoming sickness, persuading love, or facing difficult times financially that tested our limits. Zainab’s story is both impressive and a reminder of the inner strength we all possess. Still, the stories of willpower have fascinated us all, as if it were mystical.
Brain’s inner dynamo
Simply defined, it is the ability to control one’s own actions, emotions, or urges. We demonstrate self-control and the ability to sacrifice when needed. Understanding the mechanics of willpower takes us into the realm of neuroscience. Research has provided insights into neurotransmitters and neural pathways underpinning our willpower. The prefrontal cortex—the brain’s CEO—coordinates our decisions, self-control, and perseverance. It is not a mystical force but a tangible product of our cognitive construct, as illustrated by Zainab’s real-life triumph.
While it is a shared trait among various species, the human species has elevated it with remarkable finesse. Our evolutionary journey has helped us with the ability to set goals, resist impulsive actions, and overcome challenges. We have harnessed willpower to build civilizations, create art, and explore distant galaxies. Willpower, in its essence, is not an abstract concept but an intrinsic part of our survival toolkit. It is the will to go on despite having to do things you do not want to.
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
Albert Einstein
Timeless essence of willpower
The beauty of willpower is that it is eternally present in all of us, waiting patiently to be summoned like a force. And it helps to know that it is not a finite resource—it replenishes itself and it kicks in when you need it the most, time and again.
You do not need a disaster to tap into this strength. It is there for the everyday stuff too. When you met a short deadline, changed your diet for health and stuck to it, quit smoking, stayed focused when you were exhausted, or learned a new skill; it was your willpower at play. Every day when you wake up when the alarm rings, even though you are still very sleepy, your willpower is at work to get you out of bed.
Improved willpower
Brain strength impacts how you control impulses and be motivated. Psychologist and author Kelly McGonigal talks about how taking care of your prefrontal cortex, responsible for your long-term goals and core values, can go a long way in staying motivated and relying on willpower. She says you can improve any of the following to strengthen it.
- Sleep: Sleep deprivation is among the main factors that can get in the way of optimal functioning. Getting enough sleep helps in the optimal functioning of our brain. Make sure to sleep at least six or more hours every day for the best results.
- Meditation and Physical exercise: These two things can have a positive effect on the physiology of willpower. As it helps the brain relax as well as stay active.
- Low-glycemic plant-based diet: Eating healthy and keeping sugar levels in check can improve brain functions, turning you into an energy-efficient machine. Studies show that drastic drop or spikes in blood sugar levels, on the other hand, adversely affects your brain functioning.
Take a moment to think about it
Picture Zainab’s determination during those 5 days. Now, consider your own life – instances when your willpower prevailed. Realise you are more resilient than you think. If you are thinking about the next hurdle that awaits, then remember, within you lies the unyielding strength of willpower. As you move through your day, remember that your inner strength, your willpower, is always there, ready to guide you through whatever comes your way waiting to be summoned.