The Paradox of Choice

The more choices we have the more freedom we have, right? I would not fault you for thinking so. As it turns out, however, this isn't the case. Psychologist Barry Schwartz suggests that more choices actually limit our freedom. This is because we divert more cognitive ability towards weighing the choices in our mind. The more choices we have, the less ability we have to process the choices, and the more we experience something known as decision fatigue. Think about when you go to a restaurant. You aren't sure what you want to order, you grow hungrier and hungrier while unable to decide, you become stressed. It is much better for you to not overthink this decision. If you have heard of the term "Analysis Paralysis" this is exactly what it is referring to. Indeed, as it turns out, less is more in this case.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

 In my last post, I discussed the expedition-turned-survival scenario regarding Shackleton and his crew and their voyage to Antarctica. There, I made a note of the human mind's capabilities to create miracles under pressure. However, often too much pressure results in deleterious circumstances. The Yerkes-Dodson Law refers to the relationship between arousal and performance. The bell-curve shown above demonstrates this relationship. With low arousal, one may not perform optimally, however too much arousal may lead to anxiety and therefore a release of cortisol, a stress hormone. The median distribution:  not too much arousal, but not too little, leads to optimal results in regards to performance. 

With too little arousal, tasks are monotonous, and with little interest in the task, this will obviously lead to poor performance. However, too much arousal can lead to sensory overload and the inability to multitask or memorize various important aspects of the task. With that being said, one should strive to seek a balance of arousal to lead to the best results. In other words, study for that test, but don't overly stress about it. 

Enduring the Impossible

 When reading the book "Endurance", the story involving the crew of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition beginning in 1914, there were many moments of outright stupefaction within me. I thought to myself "Just how are these people (who are undergoing just about the worst possible series of events) able to survive, sometimes even find joy, while in this terrible survival situation?"  The answer lies within the Indomitable spirit of humanity. Through a miracle of motivation, not some, but EVERY member of Shackleton's crew was eventually rescued. This is thanks not only to the excellent leadership skills of Shackleton along with his infinitely hard-working crew, but also the body's ability to adapt to environmental pressures and survive extreme hardship. 

Whether it is lugging around large rescue boats through a vast wasteland of snow, surviving off of nothing but the leftover ingredients from the ship and seal meat, or finding ways to keep busy in a snowy purgatory, the human mind adapts. This story is truly a display of what humans can achieve with motivation. When reading, I questioned to myself if I would be able to survive such catastrophic events. I suppose there is no way to know until it happens, but this story does prove that with proper motivation and the ability to endure, anything is possible.

Shaping Behaviors with Rewards

 One of the most fascinating part about human psychology is how powerful rewards can be in shaping someone's behavior. We all know that people who are at the top of the corporate ladder are people that worked hard from the beginning. Working hard was the behavior and promotion is the reward, even  though not everyone that get promoted deserves it, this is still the common knowledge. This is also how slot machines in casinos work. We all know that by pulling a lever there is a chance to make more money than you deposited, although this is not the case most of the time. Knowing that there is a reward by working hard or by just pulling a lever this motivates us to keep doing it. A television show The BigBang Theory shows how reward impacts someone's behavior in a comedic way. Sheldon creates a "behavior modification" chart for Penny, complete with a token system (a piece of chocolate) to encourage her to conform to his various requests and preferences. By offering incentives for Penny to adhere to his idiosyncratic rules, Sheldon demonstrates how structured rewards can motivate behavior and foster compliance, making this quirky example a playful yet accurate reflection of how rewards can impact our everyday interactions.

Book Report: The Willpower Instinct

"The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It" 

Kelly McGonigal

    "The Willpower Instinct" by Kelly McGonigal explores the science behind willpower and self-control, offering insights into how these traits function and why they are crucial for achieving personal goals. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, McGonigal explains that willpower is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed. She emphasizes that understanding the biological and psychological mechanisms of willpower can help individuals overcome obstacles and make better decisions in their lives. McGonigal also discusses the role of willpower in various aspects of life, including health, finances, and relationships, showing how improving self-control can lead to more balanced and fulfilling life experiences.

    The book also provides practical strategies for strengthening self-control, such as setting clear intentions, managing stress, and creating environments that support desired behaviors. McGonigal highlights the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in improving willpower, encouraging readers to approach their goals with a positive and resilient mindset. She offers exercises and tools to help readers build habits that align with their long-term objectives, making it clear that self-control is not just about resisting temptation but about making choices that reflect one's deeper values and aspirations. By integrating scientific findings with actionable advice, the book offers a comprehensive guide to harnessing self-control and achieving long-term success.

    My favorite part of "The Willpower Instinct" is its practical application of scientific research to everyday life. Kelly McGonigal not only explains the underlying mechanisms of willpower but also offers actionable strategies for strengthening self-control, such as setting clear goals, managing stress, and cultivating mindfulness. Her approach to integrating self-compassion into the process of improving willpower is particularly impactful, as it empowers readers to approach their challenges with a positive mindset. This insight and practical advice provided by the author made me reevaluate how to apply self-discipline in my own life so that I can achieve my own long-term goals. I think it is easy to get wrapped up in the idea of goals turning into virtues, which the author describes thoroughly in the book. The book is heavily related to the topics discussed in class, as mentioned in the impulsivity and self-control slides, self-control is not an issue of willpower but an issue of conflicting outcomes which aligns with what McGonigal wrote, she believed that willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue and that functions can be improved through mindfulness. Both the book and Howard Rachlin have similar beliefs, being that self-control can be bolstered by substituting "positive addictions," such as social activities, for "negative addictions," like overeating, as this shift not only redirects energy towards healthier behaviors but also reinforces positive habits that enhance overall well-being.

The video below is an interview with author Kelly McGonigal, who discusses controlling willpower and moral licensing. She describes moral licensing as the phenomenon where individuals indulge in less ethical behavior after engaging in morally positive actions, believing that their good deeds justify their subsequent lapses in self-control.

Kelly McGonigal: Controlling Our Willpower (youtube.com)

Nicotine & Dopamine

     Nicotine addiction is a complex condition affecting millions globally. Dopamine plays a central role in those struggling to quit.  When nicotine is inhaled, it rapidly enters the brain and stimulates the release of dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This surge in dopamine reinforces the behavior, making the individual more likely to continue using nicotine to experience the same pleasurable effects. Addiction to nicotine is driven by both positive and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement occurs when nicotine use leads to pleasurable feelings, encouraging repeated use due to the dopamine rush and sense of euphoria. Negative reinforcement involves using nicotine to avoid unpleasant feelings or withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and cravings. 

    The reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) theory helps explain why some individuals are more susceptible to nicotine addiction. RDS suggests that some people have an underactive reward system, meaning their brains produce lower levels of dopamine or have fewer dopamine receptors. These individuals may seek out substances like nicotine to compensate for this deficiency and achieve the feelings of pleasure and reward they naturally lack. This creates a cycle where nicotine use becomes a primary method of achieving a sense of well-being. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-023-00058-z#:~:text=Like%20most%20addictive%20drugs%2C%20nicotine,in%20mood%20modulation%20and%20appetite.

How Motivation & Curiosity Are Linked

     Extrinsic motivation occurs when our actions are driven by external rewards or pressures, such as grades, money, or the approval of others. For instance, a student might study hard to earn high grades or to receive praise from parents and teachers. While effective in the short term, extrinsic motivation often lacks the sustainability and depth of its counterpart, intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is fueled by internal rewards inherent in the activity itself. When we are intrinsically motivated, we engage in an activity because we find it inherently enjoyable or fulfilling. This shift can lead to functional autonomy, where behaviors initially motivated by external rewards transition into activities pursued for their own sake. For example, someone might start running to lose weight but eventually continue running because they find joy and pleasure in the activity itself.

Intrinsically motivated behavior is particularly fascinating when linked to curiosity. Curiosity drives us to explore and learn without the need for external rewards. It creates a sense of effectance, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill or understanding a complex concept. Additionally, activities driven by intrinsic motivation can lead to a state of flow, where we become fully immersed and lose track of time. By nurturing intrinsic motivation, we can cultivate a deeper engagement with our passions and interests. This ultimately leads to more meaningful and satisfying experiences.

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/developing-curiosity/0/steps/154738

Self Control

     Self-control is a fundamental trait that supports many aspects of our personal and professional lives. It is the ability to resist temptations (usually short-term) in order to achieve long-term goal(s). One of the most famous studies on self-control is the Stanford marshmallow experiment conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel in the 1970s. In this study, children were given a choice between one marshmallow that they could eat immediately, or two marshmallows if they waited for a period of time. The results revealed that the children who were able to wait for the second marshmallow tended to have better life outcomes, including higher academic achievement, better health, and greater financial stability, decades later. This experiment highlights the significant impact that self-control can have on our lives.

    Developing self-control is not always easy, but it is possible with practice and perseverance. Strategies such as setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and practicing mindfulness can help strengthen our self-control “muscles”. Additionally, being in an environment that reduces temptations can make it easier to stay on track. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, keeping unhealthy snacks out of the house can reduce the likelihood of indulging in them. Also, limiting distractions and setting aside specific times for focused work can improve productivity. Self-control can be depleted like a muscle. When we use self-control in one area, it can temporarily reduce our ability to exert self-control in other areas. This concept is known as ego depletion, though recent research suggests that motivation and belief in self-control can mitigate this effect. By cultivating self-control, we can make better decisions, achieve our goals, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/marshmallow-test.html

Procrastination in Relation to Self Control

    Self control is a key component of a person’s development and overall well-being, providing individuals with the ability to regulate their desires, emotions and behavior in the midst of impulse and demands from their environment. Self control involves one’s ability to delay gratification and resist temptation. When a person has a good sense of self control, they are more likely to make rational decisions, opposed to being driven by emotional responses and impulse. A term related to self control is procrastination, the techniques we use to avoid making impulsive decisions. The Procrastination Equation states that there are different reasons that can account for procrastination, such as irrational beliefs, anxiety and perfectionism, although this theory is unsupported. Another aspect of procrastination is self-handicapping where people hinder their own performance. This is often done for individuals to shield themselves from humiliation and protect their self esteem, although another unsupported theory. The practice of self control has various positive outcomes, including healthier relationships, a decrease in stress and improved resilience. 

Motivation

     Motivation is considered as the reason(s) we have for certain acts or behaviors. It provides us with the direction and focus we need to achieve our goals in spite of obstacles, and any challenges we may face. Motivation can also assist people in solving problems and improving their habits. This can provide an individual with an improved self confidence, and serve as an inspiration for others as well. In relation to performance, the sequence of motivation is related to choice and instrumental behavior. We first decide which motives to satisfy or incentives to attain, which is then followed by an attempt to satisfy the motive or attain said incentive. Achievement behavior is characterized by duration, frequency, intensity and persistence. For some tasks, arousal increases the efficiency in one’s behavior, whereas in other tasks there’s a decrease in behavioral efficiency due to arousal. Overall, being highly motivated is a good trait to have and plays an important role in personal and professional growth. On the other hand, unhealthy forms of motivation can account for addiction, gambling and risky behaviors.

Mating Preferences

    When it comes to reproduction and the associated mating preferences, the general views between men and women differ. Although both people share a similar interest in searching for mates, the way we decide whether someone could potentially be a long term partner is assessed differently. One's value may be based on either finances and ambition, or good looks which indicate fertility. In terms of financial prospects, women prefer partners who are industrious and ambitious because these traits are seen as more valuable, as well as being essential to raise a family successfully. On the other hand, men have a preference for attractive partners who are fertile since that is necessary for producing many offspring. Beauty is an indication of high intelligence, a good immune system for healthy babies, and good parenting. It is believed that these preferences that men and women seek in a partner are due to the universal psychological adaptations apart of human nature, that we all share. The characteristics in a person that are of interest to us are a reflection of what is expected of us in society. In places where both genders get similar treatment, the mate preferences of men and women will be a bit more similar.

Article: What Do Men and Women Want in a Mate?

Vapes

The most common stimulant today are vapes or e-cigarettes. They are advertised to be a better alternative than traditional cigarettes. One thing that became disturbing is when vapes are targeting youth as their market. Many vape brands creates flavoring that is inspired by fruits, popular candies and desserts which are attractive to younger people. Vapes are also created with colorful, fashionable and sleek design, they also resemble common everyday items like a USB flash drive or a pen. Companies are also using social media as a way to reach their target market, which are the youth because they are the ones that spend most of their time in social media. This is problematic because in a young age many starts to be reliant to nicotine. It is ironic how they advertise to be better than cigarettes but all they did was add a new age group in the  population of people addicted to nicotine. 

Links:

https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/what-we-do/industry-watch/e-cigarettes#:~:text=Kids%20aren't%20just%20experimenting,products%20are%20driving%20youth%20use.

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/tobacco-industry-marketing/4-marketing-tactics-e-cigarette-companies-use-target

Procrastination

 Procrastination is a big problem that many college students encounter. One of the reasons why people continue to procrastinate is because it works for the most part. If you get the work done by the deadline why change this attitude? Tim Urban in his TedTalk about procrastination mentioned that we get the things done before the deadline with the help of what he called the panic monster. It is what alerts our mind that we need to get things done because the deadline is close. So how are we going to deal with something that does not have a deadline? This is where self-control is important, having the patience and understanding that gratification is not always instant. We should understand that choosing the activity with the instant gratification can have consequences in the future and work that does not have instant pleasure may have a bigger reward in the long run. 

TedTalk link:

https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator?subtitle=en

"Endurance" and what it teaches us about drive

We have all been assigned the same book to read for this class, that being "Endurance" by Alfred Lansing, and while I initially thought that it would be a drag to have to read a seemingly unnecessary albeit entertaining story about a crew stranded in Antarctica for this class it very quickly grew on me and helped me to appreciate the almost bottomless well of willpower that we can pull from as people even in the most desperate of scenarios. I won't bore you with details but I believe the final 2 parts is where the book really shines in showing the will to persist as in order to try and save all his men, Shackleton had taken a small crew off of Elephant island to reach a whaling station almost 800 miles away from their current point and even after a 4 month journey all of the men left on the island were still alive when he returned for them which that in and of itself is a great feat of resilience. Not only was the burden of getting these men home safely placed onto the captains' shoulders, but the actual process of staying alive for the rest of the men in a harsh unforgiving environment for months upon months without actually knowing whether or not he would return is something that should be celebrated as well. Reading about these passages gave me the impressions that although we might not know it ourselves, we all have an inherent willpower that can allow us to overcome odds even as shown in "Endurance" and that especially is important to remember even in our modern age when faced with our own mundane albeit still just as important journeys into becoming more realized versions of ourselves which interestingly enough is exactly what the book I am reading up on "the willpower instinct" details in its entirety.

The Struggle for Survival

In the book Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, the desperation among the men trapped on the ice was palpable as they faced the relentless harshness of the Antarctic environment. With their ship crushed and their prospects of rescue dwindling, the men endured extreme cold, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of the unknown. The monotony of their days, combined with the gnawing uncertainty of their fate, weighed heavily on their spirits. Despite their dire circumstances, the men clung to hope and survival instincts, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Their desperate situation underscored the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, as they navigated through each part of their journey. Moments of camaraderie and leadership were crucial in maintaining their morale and unity amidst their relentless misfortune. 

The Powerful Grip of Addiction

 Addiction is characterized by an intense craving, seeking out, and use of a particular drug, driven by a desire for the pleasure the drug provides or relief from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Voluntary drug use can lead to three possible outcomes: quitting, occasional use, or compulsive, involuntary use. Craving represents an overpowering, uncontrollable urge for the drug, influenced by the body's habituation to its effects, known as tolerance. When the drug is not used, withdrawal syndrome occurs, manifesting as unpleasant feelings opposite to the drug's effects. Addiction ultimately leads to dependence, where the person continually seeks out the drug despite adverse consequences, illustrating the powerful grip of substance use disorders. This relentless cycle of craving and withdrawal creates a challenging environment for recovery, often requiring comprehensive treatment approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. Without intervention, addiction can progressively deteriorate an individual's health, relationships, and quality of life.

Substance Use Disorder (youtube.com)

When Quick Decisions Lead to Long-Term Consequences

Impulsive choices are decisions made quickly and without thorough consideration of the potential outcomes, often driven by immediate desires or emotions. We tend to behave impulsively when faced with stress, excitement, or overwhelming feelings that cloud our judgment, leading us to act on fleeting urges rather than deliberate thought. The consequences of impulsive behavior can range from minor inconveniences to significant negative impacts, such as strained relationships, financial problems, or legal issues. While impulsive actions might offer short-term gratification or relief, they often undermine long-term goals and stability, highlighting the importance of pausing to evaluate decisions more carefully to avoid adverse outcomes. Developing strategies to manage impulsive tendencies can significantly enhance personal and professional well-being.

                 

The Power of Habit Book Report

 The Power of Habit

Charles Duhigg

    For my report, I chose to read The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. This book explores the science behind why habits exist and how they can be changed. Duhigg delves into the neurological and psychological habits that drive our routines, illustrating his points with engaging stories and case studies. The book is divided into three parts: the habits of individuals, organizations, and societies. Duhigg explains the habit loop, consisting of a cue, routine, and reward, and demonstrates how understanding and manipulating this loop can lead to significant personal and professional transformations.

    My favorite part of the book is the section that discusses the habit loop in individuals, specifically the chapter on how companies like Febreze and Pepsodent used the loop to create powerful consumer habits. This section stands out because it not only highlights the science behind habit formation but also shows its practical application in marketing and business strategies. It ties in closely with what we've covered in our lectures on impulsivity and self-control. 

    Duhigg's exploration of habits can be directly related to the Piers Steel procrastination equation discussed in class. Both concepts examine the factors that drive our behaviors, habits and procrastination. The habit loop (cue, routine, reward) can be seen as influencing our motivation and expectation of success, which are key components of Steel's equation. By understanding and altering our habit loops, we can potentially reduce procrastination by creating more productive routines that align with our goals.

To engage with the concepts in The Power of Habit, I found a YouTube video that explains the habit loop.

Watch this video on The Power of Habit

Extending the concepts from the book to real-world problems, I consider the issue of climate change. By understanding how habits are formed and changed, we can develop strategies to encourage more sustainable behaviors, such as reducing plastic use or increasing recycling. For example, creating cues and rewards around eco-friendly actions can help form new, environmentally beneficial habits. This approach designs interventions that reshape people's habit loops toward healthier routines.

Procrastination Equation

    The Piers Steel procrastination equation offers an intriguing insight into why we delay tasks, breaking down the psychology behind procrastination into a formula. According to Steel, procrastination is influenced by factors such as our expectation of success, the value of the task, our sensitivity to delay, and the time remaining until the deadline. Essentially, if we perceive a task as difficult, uninteresting, or far off in the future, we're more likely to put it off. On the other hand, if a task is enjoyable, important, and has an imminent deadline, we're more motivated to tackle it promptly. I found it interesting to understand that procrastination isn't just about laziness; it's about how we perceive and value our tasks, giving us a clearer way to overcoming it.

Food Neophobia

    Food neophobia, the fear of trying new foods, is a fascinating and often overlooked phenomenon that can significantly impact a person's diet and nutrition. This reluctance to experiment with unfamiliar foods is believed to have roots in our evolutionary past, where avoiding unknown foods could protect against poisoning. However, in today's world, food neophobia can lead to a limited and less varied diet, potentially missing out on essential nutrients. It's interesting to know that genetics also play a role, as studies suggest that this trait can be inherited. Recognizing and addressing food neophobia is crucial, especially in children, to foster a healthier relationship with food and encourage more diverse eating habits.

Genetic Disposition of Addiction

    Addiction is a complex condition often misunderstood as a lack of willpower or moral failing. However, research has shown that genetics can play a significant role in its development. Many individuals with a family history of addiction are more predisposed to it themselves, indicating a genetic link. This genetic predisposition can affect how a person's brain responds to substances, making them more susceptible to developing an addiction. Understanding this genetic connection can help in developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies, acknowledging that addiction is not just a personal choice but a condition influenced by hereditary factors.

The biology of willpower

    Hello everyone! My name is Fidel Loverton and as I hope you are aware as of now by using this website, I am a fellow student in the Motivation class headed by Professor Berg. The book I chose to read up on for this class was "the willpower instinct" by Kelly McGonigal and while I'm not finished completely reading through it yet (book report to soon come) I already have learned so much about myself and how I can better apply myself towards the urges and temptations I have been personally battling with in order to be in my own mind a better person wholistically. What I will be focusing on just for this first post is the "biology" of our will which to put it simply is located in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which if you aren't familiar with that is more or less the area of the brain that is responsible for higher decision making and giving yourself "reminders" not to partake in certain activities based on your greater goals overall (EX: maybe you want to lose weight and the instinctive part of your brain tells you to get something sweet while your prefrontal swoops in and helps you stay the course of your weight loss journey). Understanding the prefrontal cortex is a crucial first step to better improving your ability to resist temptations the same way understanding how a car operates is crucial to better maintain it in the long run. Each region of the prefrontal cortex is responsible for a certain aspect of staying true to your goals and aspirations and as the book states, when preforming scans of the brain you can physically see the parts of your prefrontal cortex activate when attempting to resist desires and those who falter more than others have a very descript lack of neurons in the prefrontal cortex firing seemingly causing these issues to crop up. A lack of neuronal activity doesn't immediately disqualify one from reaching their goals however as the book does explain in the proceeding chapters how to better train your brain to better handle the urges and wants to indulge in instant gratification. Sorry in advance for my first post being a little wordy, I'll try to make the next few posts and overall report a bit more interesting, but I wanted to break the ice a little here with what I am reading and what I enjoy about it right out the gate. Hope you guys are all doing well, Ill see you in the next post!

Book Report

     The Power of Habit  

Charles Duhigg 

 

        For my book report I chose the book The Power of Habit which is a book about creating and maintaining habits as well as the successor of having good habits, and the book consists of about nine different chapters. The author also uses modern science to understand the way the brain works with habits, and how you could trick the neuroreceptors to trick the mind into supporting the habit itself. One of the topics I find the most interesting is the thought process of how our life is built and consists of habits throughout our lives. When we start to do something, and it becomes a consistent thing it's considered a habit. For example, if you start working out for a week if you continue this for more than two weeks it becomes a habit. I chose this topic because I can relate to it the most. I have a habit of creating unrealistic hairs and it doesn't last. Then it turns into me just living my life with the constant thought of making habits to follow.  

                   This topic relates to the class in a way of being motivated to create and carry through with a habit, you often need the motivation or willpower to continue completing a habit. In the first slide show (impulsivity and self-control) mentions how willpower can be decided by one's willpower to keep something going. After reading the book I feel I crack the code on the mindset and tools I need to properly create a habit and keep it. Chapter 2 references an example of the good feeling people get or seek after working out or doing something they enjoy. I plan to incorporate this idea by looking for the light at the end of the tunnel for any habit I choose or want to pursue. Another topic I found the most interesting is chapter seven, knowing what you want before you go for it; it's almost like having a dream in life you know what your dream is and it's up to you to create those small habits to build up to the dream life or job you want.  

                       

The video I added above depicts my view of motivation. I grew up watching monsters inc and seeing how hard Sully worked to stay on top of his work. Mike sully created a habit of waking up early, training, etc., which led to his success. Sully showed with the right motivation and support from a friend you can be on the top of your game.  

Standard of beauty

 When I think about the standard of beauty I think of the world's perception of beauty and how society believes they should look like or be . In society it expects people to be perfect like having the perfect shape or skin complexion, not all standards are achievable which leaves individuals feeling left out or like they don’t belong. With the use of social media and phones young kids and older see the life or the body they want to have they feel they have to look or be a certain way to make themselves popular or important. In the slides of reproduction talks about the power of physical appearance and attractiveness, most people prefer to date or talk to someone based on how attractive they view them. 

Impulsiveness

Impulsiveness comes when the body fills with adrenaline and you become antsy and tense like you have to do something suddenly. In the slides surrounding Drugs for addictive behavior they use a likert scale with about 30 questions used to narrow down how impulsive someone is feeling. For example, the feeling one might get at the sight or thought of drugs. Impulsiveness lets off dopamine ( happy hormones) inside of the brain, which causes the person to get antsy and feel drawn to the cause of those feelings. 

The Power of Willpower

 Understanding willpower which was talked about in the (Impulsivity and self control slides) is the level of discipline one has to do or not do something. From personal experience I find that I often lack willpower. For example when it comes to spending money on things that we want, we often fight a mental battle of whether we should get it or not. A Lot of people actually have the power to walk away from the temptation of consumer products but not everyone contains willpower. Willpower also goes hand and hand with self control. When you gain self control comes willpower, the willpower to say no or stop with something like a habit.