: The ability to say no to immediate impulses and bad habits (e.g., skipping dessert).

In , health psychologist Kelly McGonigal, PhD, provides a science-based guide to understanding self-control. Based on her popular Stanford University course, the book dispels the myth that willpower is a character trait, instead framing it as a biological instinct and a "muscle" that can be strengthened through practice. The Three Powers of Willpower

: The ability to remember your long-term goals and what you actually want when faced with temptation. Key Concepts and Biological Factors

McGonigal breaks down willpower into three distinct components that work together to help us achieve our goals:

: The ability to do things you know you should do, even when you're avoiding them (e.g., going to the gym).