Willpower depletion leads to poor decisionmaking from "summary" of The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
When your willpower is depleted, your decision-making abilities are compromised. Imagine willpower as a muscle that can become tired and overworked. Just as a fatigued muscle struggles to perform at its best, a depleted willpower reserve can lead to poor decisions. Research shows that when people are under stress or have expended a significant amount of willpower on one task, they are more likely to make impulsive or irrational choices in other areas of their lives. This is because the brain's executive functions, responsible for self-control and rational decision-making, require energy and resources that are drained when willpower is depleted. One study found that participants who were asked to resist eating freshly baked cookies were more likely to give in to temptation and perform poorly on subsequent cognitive tasks. This is because their willpower had been exhausted by the effort of resisting the cookies, leaving them with diminished self-control for other tasks. In another experiment, participants who were asked to suppress their emotional reactions while watching a sad movie were less able to control their impulses when faced with a financial decision later on. This demonstrates how willpower depletion can transfer from one situation to another, leading to poorer decision-making overall. Understanding the connection between willpower depletion and poor decision-making is crucial for improving self-control and making better choices. By recognizing when your willpower is low and taking steps to replenish it, such as getting enough rest, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, you can avoid falling into the trap of making impulsive or irrational decisions. So, next time you find yourself struggling to make a choice, consider whether your willpower might be depleted and take steps to recharge it before making a decision.
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