The latest neuroscience research suggests that the act of exerting willpower is like exercising a very small muscle. The part of the brain that controls willpower is called the prefrontal cortex. It’s small and tires out very fast after just a little bit of exertion (exercise). That’s why exerting willpower when beginning or continuing an exercise program doesn’t work very well. Our brains get tired fast when we continuously exert willpower, especially if it’s been a while since we’ve done this sort of mental exertion.

This same small part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) controls things like New Year’s resolutions or avoiding sweets and junk food. Based upon the experiences of most of us, it certainly makes sense that this is a small muscle!

Gradually developing moderate exercise habits over time is the only effective way to overcome the weak willpower we humans naturally posses. Weak willpower is not a character issue. It’s an issue of having a naturally small part of the brain that is only able to maintain a limited amount of willpower control.

This article in the Wall Street Journal has an excellent article about this if you are interested in a more in-depth discussion about willpower and human behavior.

So, if your willpower to exercise is weak, blame it on your brain.

Happy New Year!