I’ve fallen completely in love with books that are as visual as they are motivational, educational, inspirational, and helpful. Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle with illustrations by Patrick McDonnell (creator of MUTTS) is a perfect example. I fell hard for that book and now I’ve fallen hard again.
The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline
“Willpower isn’t something that gets handed out to some and not to others… it’s a skill you can develop through understanding and practice.” – Gillian Riley
The adorable stick figures in this book get into a whole mess of situations. You follow the skinny little characters as they learn about willpower and “making it happen.” Basically, The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline
The best part, of course, is we can find the same path. The author serves as the moderator for our lives as well. This book is honestly filled with fantastic advice – all presented in a way that’ll be completely fresh and new to each reader. Come on, I read as much as a cat sleeps – I’ve seen every kind of book there is. And as much as I love books, they can sometimes become monotonous. You’ll be halfway through the book and have to look at the cover to see which book it is you’re reading. There have been times when I would have sworn I’d read a book before – when, in actuality – it was a new book… just old material and worn out thoughts.
With The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline
I’ll end with an excerpt from the book, itself. In one of the strongest parts of the book, the author lays out the three key steps you need to take in order to prepare yourself to be able to sustain the resolve you need to accomplish a goal. The first step he gives is, “Take Your Temperature.”
Page 67: TAKE YOUR TEMPERATURE:
No, not that kind of temperature. What we mean is ask yourself how badly you want to achieve your goal. One of the most famous self improvement authors (Napoleon Hill) speaks to the need for “a desire of white-hot intensity,” In other words, do you really, really want to achieve your goal? The good news is that if you do, you can almost stop reading.
You know the expression, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”? Well, many achievement authors would say the same thing a little differently.
“Where there’s a will, there’s willpower.”
In other words, if you want something badly enough, your internal programming (for survival) will kick in and help you find the self-discipline you need along the path to your goal.
But don’t kid yourself. If your temperature is not high enough – if you do not want something badly enough – why bother? Your willpower will fade when the going gets tough – and whenever you seek something of value, the going will always get tough. The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self Discipline
Steven Handel says
December 1, 2009 at 2:36 pmSounds like a really fascinating idea for a book – where did you hear about it? I think I’ve actually seen this Jim character on TV before talking about economics. I just went to his site and it sounds like he is a very intelligent man. Good find!
.-= Steven Handel´s last blog ..Feel Better Through Ten Acts Of Loving-Kindness =-.
research papers says
December 1, 2009 at 3:37 pmJust wanted to share some things that have helped me through the years:
1. Start Small. Start with your room. Clean it, then keep it clean. When something is out of place, train yourself to put it where it belongs. Then extend the discipline of neatness to the rest of your home.
2. Be on time. That may not seem very spiritual, but it’s important. If you’re supposed to be somewhere at a specific time, be there on time. Develop the ability to discipline your desires, activities, and demands so that you can arrive on time.
3. Do the hardest job first. When you do that, you will find it easier to do the simpler tasks.
4. Organize your life. Plan the use of your time; don’t just react to circumstances. Use a calendar and make a daily list of things you need to accomplish. If you don’t control your time, everything else will.
5. Accept correction. Correction helps make you more disciplined because it shows you what you need to avoid. Don’t avoid criticism; accept it gladly.
6. Practice self-denial. Learn to say no to your feelings. Learn to do what you know to be right even if you don’t feel like doing it. Sometimes it’s even beneficial to deny yourself things that are acceptable to have, like a doughnut in the morning or dessert after dinner. Exercising such self-restraint helps you develop the habit of keeping other things under control. Cultivating discipline in the physical realm will help you become disciplined in your spiritual life.
7. Welcome responsibility. When you have an opportunity to do something that needs to be done, volunteer for it if you have talent in that area. Accepting responsibility can force you to organize yourself.
joi says
December 5, 2009 at 11:24 am“research papers”, Great stuff! – Joi
joi says
December 5, 2009 at 11:25 amSteven, I heard about the book through its publisher. It’s just delightful! So much fun to read but extremely informative and motivational at the same time. – Joi
Belinda says
April 14, 2010 at 8:59 amI just did a Google image search for Willpower book and it led me here. Nice post and the book looks really interesting. I checked The Skinny site and they have other interesting topics too like Time Management, Success, Persuasion etc. I am going to check them out. Thanks for the reco! – B
joi says
April 17, 2010 at 9:23 amBelinda, you’re more than welcome! The book is fascinating – it really is.