Building Tenacity and Willpower: The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Resilience

💪Tenacity and willpower require effort and energy to persist and resist certain behaviors.

🧠The brain has a neural circuit that governs tenacity and willpower, integrating information from within and outside to build resilience.

🔋Neurons use chemical and electrical signaling, requiring energy, to generate tenacity and willpower.

🔀Tenacity and willpower can be distinguished from habit execution and motivation, and are on a continuum with apathy and depression.

🙌Research-backed tools can enhance tenacity and willpower, allowing individuals to push past barriers and achieve goals.

What is the difference between willpower and habit execution?

—Willpower and habit execution are distinct phenomena. Willpower requires effort to intervene in default neural processes, while habit execution is the behavior that can be generated without much willpower.

What is the role of motivation in developing tenacity and willpower?

—Motivation is the engine that allows individuals to move up and down the continuum of resilience. However, motivation itself is distinct from tenacity and willpower.

Why is it important to understand the psychology of tenacity and willpower?

—Understanding the psychology of tenacity and willpower allows individuals to tailor specific protocols to enhance their resilience based on their unique circumstances.

What is the neural circuit that governs tenacity and willpower?

—The brain has a hub-like neural circuit that integrates information from various neural structures, allowing individuals to generate and build tenacity and willpower.

How can research-backed tools enhance tenacity and willpower?

—Research has revealed specific tools and techniques that can enhance tenacity and willpower, allowing individuals to overcome resistance and achieve their goals.

01:12Tenacity and willpower require effort and energy to persist and resist certain behaviors.

04:52The brain has a neural circuit that governs tenacity and willpower, integrating information from within and outside to build resilience.

06:20Neurons use chemical and electrical signaling, requiring energy, to generate tenacity and willpower.

09:05Tenacity and willpower can be distinguished from habit execution and motivation, and are on a continuum with apathy and depression.

10:31Research-backed tools can enhance tenacity and willpower, allowing individuals to push past barriers and achieve goals.