The Skinny One on Willpower
How to Develop Self Discipline

by Jim Randel

      “The Skinny on” series deals with different topics using a unique format of stick figures, drawings and snippets of advice taken from a variety of sources.

As Jim Randel tells us in the introduction, he and his team do the reading on each topic and interview the experts, then summarize the pearls of wisdom they have obtained through their research. This way, we, the readers, can acquire the knowledge without a huge investment of our time.

The series does not pretend to be a treatise on each subject, but in its light, fun way does give you an overview. It also provides a comprehensive bibliography that will allow you to pursue the subject further.

In the usual format of the series, The Skinny on Willpower inter-spaces experiments and experts' thoughts on the subject as it follows Billy and Beth's attempts to stick to their New Year Resolutions (losing weight and starting a Boutique, respectively).

We learn, for instance, that some psychologists think willpower is muscle-like, and that, after a succession of challenges, can be depleted ("ego depletion.") And that thoughts are things that can be moved out of the mind. We can train ourselves to recognize a negative thought and reject it while reinforcing or creating positive ones. That is what athletes are trained to do while they concentrate on their performances.

According to Jim Randel, to believe that “the world is waiting to offer you what you want” will not get you to succeed. Willpower will.

At the end, the information in the book is summarized in 15 points that will help you develop the self-discipline needed for success.

Give it a try. You will not be disappointed.