Willpower

Having willpower is not always an easy thing to do.  It is a combination of determination and self-discipline that enables somebody to do something despite the difficulties involved.  After watching the video on The Marshmallow Test, I thought that it was a great way to portray people having willpower.  Now, kids don't have as much of it as adults do because they don't always think about the consequences that might come with it.  However, a few of these children found the strength to resist eating the marshmallow in order to receive the second one.  I noticed that the kids overcame the temptations by turning around, covering their eyes, and just simply distracting themselves which was all it took to pass the 15 minutes.  If you can find a way to distract yourself from wanting to do something, it will increase your determination and self discipline tremendously.  Not only can you distract yourself, but keep thinking about the goal or reward that you will be receiving.  If the kids just thought to themselves that they could have two marshmallows after 15 minutes while also distracting themselves, that would be an even better reward than just having the one.  Choosing a reward ahead of time is something I do before I go running.  Instead of dreading going for a run or working out everyday, I think about how I will be able to relax the rest of the night once this task is finished.  Having done that for about a month or 2, I now do not dread going on runs anymore, rather I enjoy it.