Willpower

My main problem in life is that I have very little willpower.

Take this blog, for instance. I'm writing it with less than an hour to go before midnight. Why? Because although I knew I ought to get it done in good time, I couldn't resist continuing to read my book. I didn't have the willpower to stop.

It's the same with chocolate and cake and various other unhealthy treats. I always tell myself I should only eat a little bit, but then the packet's open and I can't help having a little bit more. I make excuses for myself (I'm tired, I'm stressed, whatever) but really I'm just giving in to my own greed. I'm often thankful that I never took up smoking, because I'm sure I wouldn't have the strength of mind to quit again. And it's lucky for me that I have a fast metabolism, because no matter how often I decide I ought to do more exercise (i.e. some), when it comes down to it I always fail to keep my own resolutions.

The odd thing about all this is that I also hate failing. I would have expected that to give me amazing willpower: a drive to achieve every task I set myself, in order to avoid the ignominy of failure. But maybe the point is that if I don't try, I can't possibly fail. Maybe the thought of doing my best to exercise or eat less chocolate or (shock, horror) keep my house tidy, and then failing anyway, is enough to prevent me from even making the attempt.

On the other hand, maybe I'm just lazy.

What about you? What challenges your willpower the most?

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