Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Willpower....do you have it?

Willpower - noun - control of one's impulses and actions

Willpower is a funny thing because a person's level of willpower varies greatly depending on the situation. For example, I have developed a lot of willpower when it comes to running. I successfully control my impulse to sit on the couch, curl up in the bed, do anything that isn't running when I know I should be running. This is great considering my current situation.

Today was a real test of my willpower. I felt tired all day, it was a struggle for me to even get out of the bed. I'm sure I hit the snooze button at least three times. Once I made it to work and had my breakfast and a cup of coffee I was STILL tired. I just wanted to go to sleep at my desk but considering that I have no WALLS and everyone in the office would see me asleep I thought it would be best that I tough it out and stay awake. *I miss my office!* I would also like to note that I demonstrated lots of willpower when I didn't kick a hole in the stupid printer that breaks once a week. I think it is evil and is out to get me.

The place where I lack willpower is when it comes to food. I just can't pass up a cookie or ice cream or pretty much anything that contains sugar. If I go out to eat and I have two choices on the menu: juicy burger or healthy salad - I'm going to choose the burger EVERY time. I know I should eat the salad, I'll even go as far as to say I want to eat the salad but I just can't order the salad. I'm trying to do better though...I really DO want to lose this gill.... I've found if I limit my options I can do pretty well. I eat the same thing for breakfast every morning and that works well for me. If I bring my lunch then I can also stay in line. Where I get in trouble is if I have to make a choice, if things aren't already planned out then I'm going to go for what I want and not what I know is best for me.

Oh well, all I can say is that it is a good thing I at least have the willpower to run, otherwise who knows what kind of shape I'd be in!

3 comments:

Paul said...

It's a lot of work to make oatmeal the way you do so I can understand why you would be tired after that ;-)

runrgrl2007 said...

Girl don't worry about it.. You are not alone. I just told my boss yesterday I was not eating with them at lunch anymore due to my poor decision making! I LOVE JUICY BURGERS!

Anonymous said...

You periodically mention time is no concern and you just want to finish. You will find that in the marathon, your energy level will be much higher due to adrenalin and the fact you will not be running your mouth for 26.2 miles. You never shut it in practice runs, and will be amazed how much energy you will save.