Kelly McGonical wrote the book, The Willpower Instinct, that says it’s hard for us to focus on long term goals when our brains are fixated on our immediate desires. Willpower can help us to respond in a strategic way.
Video Highlights:
Willpower is more than just about avoiding temptation. It has 3 important components.
- “I will” power: You identify the short term desire and decide if you want to pursue it or if you will replace it with something else.
- “I won’t” power: This is where you resist the temptation to do something you know you shouldn’t.
- “I want” power: You remember your goals and what you’re working towards and make decisions based on those.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Describe the 2 different “brains” we all have when it comes to making choices. Which brain usually dominates your decisions? How would you have answered that when you were younger?
- Read James 1:14-15. “I Won’t” power is the ability to resist temptation. Give an example.
- “I Will” power is the ability to remember that you want the positive consequences of something difficult. Give an example.
- Read Galatians 6:7-8. “I Want” power is the ability to have clarity on what matters most to you in life. Give an example.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
