About the Book

Book Synopsis

Willpower For Dummies shows you how to train, strengthen, and improve your willpower in seven easy steps! Written by a clinical psychologist and cognitive therapist, the book proves that willpower can be learned like any other skill, and provides tons of practical exercises and strategies you can start using today. You'll learn how willpower works inside the brain, and how choosing goals and identifying challenges can affect your success. The book stresses the importance of patience, rewards and being kind to yourself, and walks you through the techniques that will keep you on the right track, even on your worst days.

The mind works in two different ways: the long view and the short view. Controlling which aspect wins out is the key to willpower. Willpower For Dummies breaks this complex science down into easily digestible bits, written in plain English with a dash of humour. You'll find scientifically robust guidance toward strengthening your willpower just like a muscle, and expert advice on training your brain to work with you instead of against you.

• Discover the most important factors in building self-discipline
• Learn how to set goals and how to train your willpower
• Practice simple willpower-strengthening exercises
• Employ coping strategies for when you're about to break

Whether you're trying to lose weight, quit smoking or just work harder, rest assured that you can do it--regardless of past failures and false starts. Willpower is not a trait, but a skill. Everyone can learn it, and everyone can make it stronger. Willpower For Dummies walks you through the process, teaching you the skills you need for lasting success.

From the Back Cover

Train, strengthen and improve your willpower

Willpower. You've either got it or not, right? Wrong! Willpower can be taught and learned just like any other skill - and this book shows you how. Whether you have a simple goal, a habit you want to break or you just want to exercise a little more self-control, this friendly guide gives you seven easy steps to get it done.

• Understand willpower - get to know the psychology of self-control, break away from the 'I want it now' mentality and discover the secrets of self-motivation
• Enter the Willpower Workshop - create your personal change plan, make new habits to replace old ones and get to know your triggers
• Be ever the optimist - aim for realistic optimism, overcome negative thinking traps and create a lifestyle that promotes willpower
• Know that you're not alone - acknowledge your achievements, accept responsibility for setbacks and remember that exercising willpower is something that everyone struggles with

About the Author

Frank Ryan is a clinical psychologist and cognitive therapist, specialising in cognition and impulse control. He is also the author of Cognitive Therapy For Addiction, published by Wiley.