Are You Sleeping on the Right or Wrong Pillow?

You have woken up in the last week with a stiff neck and feelings of tightness, maybe even a headache. What could be could be causing this. Let’s discuss one factor: Your Neck Pillow. What is it or is it not doing for you? Is it the source of your neck pain?

What do you think of when buying a pillow? Is it comfy? That’s probably your #1 concern. You may also ask yourself – will I get a good night’s sleep? Do you need a specialty pillow because you are suffering with a pinched nerve or numbness and tingling? Others might be thinking- okay I have a king size mattress, I have to get larger pillows. Lots of things to think about when purchasing a pillow because its going to have an effect on your sleep.

Here is an important question to ask, that not many people first think of: Does your pillow keep you in alignment? This often comes into play with contoured neck pillows. You know those pillows with a “neck roll”. They can often keep you in good posture in all sleeping positions. The neck roll helps to improve and maintain that natural neck curve. This is referred to as the cervical spine lordosis. The mid-back is your Thoracic spine, and the low back is the Lumbar spine.

What exactly does good posture or alignment look like? Imagine a person standing in front of you. From the anterior-posterior (front to back), your spine should be straight up and down. From the lateral view (from the side), you should have smooth flowing curves. A “C’ curve in the neck and one in the low back. Actually the low back is more of an elliptical curve (a wider, more elongated ‘C’). With a Neck Pillow you can align the spine while getting a good night’s sleep!

One of the most common misalignments is loss of the neck curve. So that “neck roll” built into a neck pillow is very important. Always remember that posture is a window into the spine. This means that if we have good posture our spine is aligned, and vice versa. And if the spine is in alignment, then the nerves are free from pressure and there’s no pain.

Now, the question becomes: will this keep me out of pain? We know that if we keep the nerves free from pressure, then we keep pain and problems away. With a properly aligned spine, we have minimal pressure on the nerves. An aligned spine also holds the discs in position. The disc is a ‘shock absorber’ of sorts, and lies between all the bones or vertebrae. This translates in minimal pinching. That means you won’t have neck pain, shooting pains, numbness and tingling or weakness in the upper extremity.

So are you Sleeping on the Wrong pillow? Ask yourself: is it too high? Too Low? Is is too Soft?, etc… Too high means your head may be pushed forward if you’re on your back and if you’re on your side, you’re tilted or laterally bent. The opposite is essentially true for a pillow that’s too low or too soft. This may also be the case for an old/worn out pillow that’s too soft..

What if the pillow’s too firm? The big issue here is that it may be very uncomfortable. You just cannot get used to it. It’s too much for the muscles of your head and neck. Comfort is actually a big deal. This is one of the most important qualities of a pillow: Is it comfortable with side sleeping and back sleeping? Getting good sleep is of utmost importance and a pillow that’s too hard can hinder your sleep. Worse, you wake in up in pain, discomfort or a headache.

So next time you are humming or hawing over what pillow you should buy, consider all the above points. Next time you wake up in pain, consider going pillow shopping. It will do your body and your sleep some good. I guarantee it.

  • 3 years ago
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Reasons Why People Decide on Having Plastic Surgery

In the past few years, plastic surgery has become very popular, with lots of women and men choosing to go through some procedures. It would be interesting to know more about some of the most popular types, and the reasons for choosing to have these done.

Plastic surgery is a widely used term, which encompasses several, different surgical procedures. These surgeries are not only done for aesthetics, but also for personal and medical reasons as well.

Botox, facelift, liposuction, breast enlargement and breast reduction are among the most common procedures performed on women.

Hair transplant, calf/buttock implants and nasal surgery are among the most common procedures performed on men.

These procedures are done because of many, different reasons, some of which are the following:

Confidence

A lot of people have a low self-esteem because of their far from perfect body. If they will have a more shapely body, it will make them feel more confident and outgoing. Going through plastic surgery will let them feel comfortable with their body, and boost their self confidence. However, it is important to keep in mind that this procedure is not a sure way to boost self esteem/confidence. Therefore, anyone who is considering to go through such a procedure for the above mentioned reasons should talk about this with a healthcare specialist, including the possible causes of having low self esteem.

Health

A number of individuals can suffer health risks and conditions because of some of their physical features. Plastic surgery can correct these to provide them with a healthier, happier lifestyle. Weight loss for obese patients and breast reduction for women with large breasts are a few examples. Large breasts can put needless strain on the shoulders and back.

Another reason to undergo cosmetic surgery is to enhance the physical appearance. Face lift and breast enlargement are the best examples for this. Such changes help alter features they are not too happy with and therefore, make them feel comfortable with themselves.

Reconstruction

One of the major reasons for deciding on plastic surgery is reconstruction. This type of procedure aims to return some physical features to their former state. This is usually performed on patients that have been through an accident or another procedure like for instance, going through a breast reconstruction after breast mastectomy. Reconstructive surgery is not necessarily used for physical appearances. It can also be done on joints, among other areas to correct healthcare conditions.

Enhancement

Last but not the least, some people decide on going through plastic surgery to enhance their physical features. Weight loss is among the most common. Those who have lost too much weight tend to have excessive skin so they do not like to show their bodies in public. Plastic surgery is capable of removing this excess skin to give them a more toned body that makes them feel comfortable.

  • 3 years ago
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Why Crowdfund?

Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital through the collective effort of friends, family, customers, and individual investors. This approach taps into the collective efforts of a large pool of individuals-primarily online via social media and crowdfunding platforms-and leverages their networks for greater reach and exposure.

Crowdfunding can be a very viable option to fund your business dream. Why?

• It allows you to take advantage of the biggest global funding resource: All people from all over the world.

• It brings you a large group of believers with a really good chance on loyal customers and avid supporters when your business launches.

• It shares the risk among many, putting less financial pressure on just a few individuals.

• It cuts out banks, venture capitalists and professional investors to create a business funding process following your terms.

• It gives you the possibility to engage with your believers even before your business launches. Exchanging knowledge and challenging each other will make your plan even stronger.

Upside:

A successful crowdfunding round not only provides your business with needed cash, but creates a base of customers who feel as though they have a stake in the business’ success.

Downside:

If you don’t have an engaging story to tell, then your crowdfunding bid could be a flop. Sites such as Kickstarter don’t collect money until a fundraising goal is reached, so that’s still a lot of wasted time that could have been spent doing other things to grow the business.

Types of Crowdfunding

Just like there are many different kinds of capital round raises for businesses in all stages of growth, there are a variety of crowdfunding types. Which crowdfunding method you select depends on the type of product or service you offer and your goals for growth. The 3 primary types are donation-based, rewards-based, and equity crowdfunding.

The most common type of crowdfunding fundraising is using sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, where donations are sought in return for special rewards. That could mean free product or even a chance to be involved in designing the product or service.

Donation-Based Crowdfunding

Broadly speaking, you can think of any crowdfunding campaign in which there is no financial return to the investors or contributors as donation-based crowdfunding. Common donation-based crowdfunding initiatives include fundraising for disaster relief, charities, nonprofits, and medical bills.

Rewards-Based Crowdfunding

Rewards-based crowdfunding involves individuals contributing to your business in exchange for a “reward,” typically a form of the product or service your company offers. Even though this method offers backers a reward, it’s still generally considered a subset of donation-based crowdfunding since there is no financial or equity return. This approach is a popular option for crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, because it lets business-owners incentivize their contributor without incurring much extra expense or selling ownership stake.

Equity-Based Crowdfunding

Unlike the donation-based and rewards-based methods, equity-based crowdfunding allows contributors to become part-owners of your company by trading capital for equity shares. As equity owners, your contributors receive a financial return on their investment and ultimately receive a share of the profits in the form of a dividend or distribution

Crowdfunding may make it more difficult for entrepreneurs to commit fraud

Many articles have been written warning us of the dangers of crowdfunding. Naturally, entrepreneurs and investors who choose to transfer capital via crowdfunding should be aware of the risks associated with this form of capital distribution. But despite the risk, the potential for good far outweighs the dangers.

For example, crowdfunded companies will likely be screened by broker-dealers or funding portals who are just as savvy and sophisticated as any institutional investor, plus they’ll have the critical scrutiny of the crowd to reinforce the portals’ initial due diligence. The bottom line is crowdfunded companies will be exposed to a higher number of industry relevant investors, resulting in a more robust and efficient due diligence process than can be effected through current funding models.

Poker Art Work

There are many talented artists that offer a wide variety of poker art work. From originals to limited edition prints, there are poker paintings that depict scenes from old poker movies to abstract works of art that feature modern day poker celebrities.

Darci Faulkner ‘s art is widely collected and has been honored with many national awards. Her poker art work is a testament to her talent and commitment to embracing new and challenging subjects. Where many artists embrace one style and adhere to it, Darci is always reaching for something new, challenging herself to learn. Darci’s poker art work that includes a series of celebrity poker paintings combine digital technology and her experience in traditional painting. Reflecting an influence of the genre developed by Andy Warhol and Peter Max, her style, embraces a whole new approach of combining the image of several celebrities to capture a specific moment in time. “I was looking for a way to do something with my art experience and with my knowledge of computer technology and I found it.” Not unlike her poker art work, characteristic of Darci’s divergent styles, her sports paintings have been described as a marriage of the styles of Norman Rockwell and Leroy Neiman.

She is always exploring new techniques and avenues to create new images and works that combine her endless curiosity, knowledge of technology and love of color…lots and lots of color!

Kathy Womack, the artist behind the celebrated Women and Wine series is now adding poker art work to her resume. Her proven success with the Women and Wine series made her the perfect candidate to capture the sport and excitement offered in the medium of poker art work with pokers recent surge in popularity. Kathy got her start as a newspaper fashion illustrator in the early nineties. When the transition to computer generated imaging began, the need for illustrators lessened. Searching for a more creative outlet, Kathy left the paper, picked up her brushes, and began making a name for herself. Only five years later, at age 32, she opened the Kathy Womack Gallery in downtown Austin, Texas. Now with the imminent opening of a Houston location, and her sights on Las Vegas in the near future, she is fast on her way to becoming one of the most successful artists of her time.

LeRoy Neiman is probably the most popular sports artist in the world, followed only by younger artists Stephan Holland and Richard T. Slone. Neiman produces about six different serigraph subjects a year, generally priced from $3,000 to $6,000 each. Gross annual sales of new serigraphs alone top $10 million. In addition to being an internationally renowned sports artist, Neiman has created poker art work inspired from his experience traveling the world visiting the worlds grandest casinos.

Neiman’s poker art work and gaming paintings include;Baccarat, Baden-Baden, Black Break, Casino, Chemin de Fer, Desert Inn Baccarat, Gaming Table International Poker, International Roulette, Pool Room, Roulette, Roulette II, Salle Privee – Monte Carlo, Stud Poker, The Game, The Game of Life, The Green Table, Vegas Blackjack and Vegas Craps.

Neiman produced much of his early work for Playboy Magazine, for which he still illustrates monthly.

A Brief Order of Marriage in Christian Faith

Christians believe that the commitment of love and marriage must be taken in a rather religious setting. Christian matrimony involves the mutual acceptance of the couple in the church amongst friends and family. The wedding celebration is elaborate and follows a general set of protocols.

Explained here is a brief order of marriage practised during a Christian wedding.

The Prelude

The music maybe rendered live or in recorded form. It is a practice that it is used on the set of the wedding celebrations. In some events candles are lit throughout the venue during the prelude.

Procession- Arriving at the venue

The procession indicates the arrival of the couple and important guests at the venue. The minister who is presiding over the wedding enters first. The groom arrives with his best men to the altar from a side door followed by the bridesmaids and ushers. The bride is then escorted down the aisle by her father to the altar where the groom is already waiting. The flower girls and the ring bearer follow the bride.

Greetings and Introduction

When the members of the event have settled in their respective seats, the minister welcomes the guests and states the purpose of the gathering. He briefly introduces the bride and the groom and goes on to talk about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of the vows. He offers a short prayer to God and gives the sermon.

The Pledge

The Pledge is typically a way of assuring that the couple, their parents, their children if any from previous marriages are in support of this union. The minister seeks the consent of every guest in the hall and they reply in chorus saying “We do”.

Exchanging the vows

This event in the Christian matrimony is of utmost importance where the bride and the groom face each other and promise to love and support one another in front of God and the other witnesses present in the hall. While there is a standard set of vows, most couples choose to read out their own.

Exchanging of rings

The promise of the couple to stay with each other through all phases of life is symbolized by the exchanging of rings. The ring is believed to be an outward expression of their eternal commitment to their partner.

Announcement of marriage

The minister now declares that the bride and the groom are a lawfully wedded couple and the wedding venue fills in with happiness. The bride and the groom share their first kiss as the man and wife thus marking the official start of their life together.

The Unity Candle

The couple now seeks the blessings of God by lighting the central candle together. They chant their prayers and seek the holy blessing for a lifetime of happiness and togetherness.

The Holy Communion

Some couples prefer having the Holy Communion as their first act together after marriage. It refers to the act of giving thanks to God and worshiping him as one whole body.

Postlude Prayers

The minister offers the closing prayers to God on behalf of the couple and their families.

The Recessional

The couple, their family and other guests leave the wedding hall in an orderly fashion. The ushers at the wedding help guests exit one row after the other.

Christians believe that marriage is the highest domain of honor and love. A few changes in the order of the marriage may differ from one wedding to another, however the sanctity and the charm of a traditional Christian wedding remains untouched.

  • 3 years ago
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Purchasing An Eco-Friendly Green Laptop

Purchasing an Environmentally Friendly Laptop to Save the Earth

Purchasing a laptop is a smart environmental decision when compared with purchasing a desktop pc. The main reason being that a notebook is smaller than a desktop so there is less of an environmental impact at the time of disposal. The slim size of the flat laptop means that there are smaller and less hazardous parts to be disposed of, such as hard drives, cd/dvd drives, flash card readers, usb ports, etc. The manufacturing of smaller and smaller laptop computers also has in indirect effect, in that the processing plants produce less harmful emissions into the environment. Another factor that makes laptops a better environmental decision is the fact that most laptops now comply with European regulations on lead-free computing, such as the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) and RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances), which are mandated disposal codes in Europe. Lead is used primarily to solder parts together on a computer, but these regulations encourage companies to use other methods for building a PC.

An interesting player in the eco-friendly laptop market is the “one Laptop Per Child” project. Their missions is to produce a low cost laptop – the “XO Laptop” – in order to revolutionize the way the world’s children are educated. The purpose of the project is to get laptops in the hands of people in third world countries that would not otherwise have access to this technology. But the project is also proving that laptops can be produced for a very low cost – laptops which weigh less than one kilogram and rely on no electricity.

But despite the advances in the world of green laptops, there are still many issues that need to be addressed in order to manufacture an even more eco-friendly laptop. In the 2009, sales of laptops worldwide are expected to surpass desktop pcs for the first time ever. The average person will keep a laptop for only three years before it is tossed in the closet or tossed in the garbage, which presses the issue for an even more recyclable laptop. Some issues that still need addressed and some possible solutions:

1. Problem: Petroleum-filled plastic. Solution: Produce laptops from corn using bioplastic-polymers. The main issue at the point is creating a heat resistant polymer that can withstand the heat from a laptop.

2. Problem: Power Supply. Solution: Use the power of the sun the recharge your laptop. Solar powered chargers are in the works.

3. Problem: Lead products in the waste. Solution: As mentioned above, the European Union has enacted legal restrictions on lead. President Bush has also followed suit with standards for American lead use.

4. Problem: Spinning hard drives. Solution: Future laptops could reduce their energy use up to 10 percent by replacing hard drives with flash memory, which has no watt-hungry moving parts. Dell debuted a laptop with a 32-gigabyte solid-state drive this year.

Some recent awards winners for laptops that are friendly to the environment include: XO Laptop, Toshiba Portege R500, HP 2710p, Lenovo Thinkpad X300, and the Dell D630.

  • 3 years ago
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Idyllic Island Holidays in Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius is a tropical island situated in the warm Indian Ocean, 2 000 km off the coast of Africa. With more than 145 km’s of pristine golden beaches, gorgeous lagoons, mountains and tropical forests all surrounded by the third largest coral reef in the world it is no wonder Mauritius is considered the perfect holiday destination.

There are so many things to do and see and so many gorgeous places to stay [http://www.superiorchoices.com/Accomm.ListAll.asp?ViewBy=country&CID=7] whilst in Mauritius you’re going to wish you had booked a lengthier sojourn.

Deep Sea Fishing

If you are interested in deep sea fishing you will be delighted by the bountiful ocean waters surrounding the exquisite island paradise of Mauritius. Although big game fishing is always excellent in Mauritius, anglers will want to visit between October and April for the very best opportunities. Mauritius holds several international and African fishing records, including that of the mako shark of 506.8 kg’s, the blue shark of 181.8 kg’s, a white tuna of 101.8 kg’s and blue marlins of 615.9 kg’s. Tuna, wahoo, sailfish, bonito, shark, marlin and barracuda are but some of the species you will encounter on your Mauritian deep sea adventure. There are several boat operators who will take you out for a full day of spectacular scenery, awesome on board atmosphere and some of the finest deep sea fishing you will ever experience.

Cuisine

Mauritius is a real melting pot of cultures, religions and ancestral ties and the local cuisine has been influenced by each of these factors. Dining in Mauritius is a gastronomic delight that allows you to experience flavours from each corner of the globe. Mauritian menus are an eclectic mix of Asian, Indian, Chinese, French and Creole influenced dishes. During your idyllic island holiday in Mauritius you should attempt to experience as many of the dishes as possible. From the curries and bryanis to the rougailles and seafood delights – the aromas and flavours of Mauritius will not disappoint.

Golf in Mauritius

Mauritius, with its magnificent vistas and variety of courses, is a haven for golfing enthusiasts. Most of the islands 10 courses are attached to hotels and are either reserved exclusively for the hotel residents, residents in the neighbouring or sister hotels or open to the public.

Situated in Vacoas, the Gymkhana Club is the oldest golf course in Mauritius and while it lacks certain of the more modern courses complexities it is beautifully maintained and open to members as well as visitors to the island. Designed by world renowned golfer, Bernhard Langer the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course is one of the most stunning courses in the world. Situated on its own tropical islet each of the 18 holes are sea facing. Apart form being the most beautiful course in Mauritius, it is also one of the most challenging; but the gorgeous views, immaculate greens and great facilities make it a favourite amongst golfing enthusiasts. Designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi, the 18-hole Legend Golf course, is another of the islands golfing hotspots not to be missed. There are 10 superior courses in Mauritius and golfing enthusiasts will have a ball trying their hand at each and every one. Choose from the Maritim, Shandrani and Paradis Hotel Golf Courses, the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, the Links Golf Course and the Trou aux Biches Golf course.

Marine Life

Mauritius is as gorgeous off land as it is on. The ocean surrounding the idyllic holiday spot is teeming with exotic marine life. To experience sights like tropical fish and weaving eels and some of the oceans most magnificent coral beds all you will need is a pair of flippers and a snorkel. Undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience this magical underwater kingdom is by submarine. A submarine tour operator on the island will introduce you to the beautiful and mystic world of shipwrecks and life under water. An absolute treat is the Under Sea Walk during which you can experience the thrill of walking on the sea bed, in absolute safety.

Some Tourist Attractions

The Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses (Jewel of the crown) gardens are internationally renowned amongst naturalists for the sheer number of indigenous and exotic plants species. The Bird Garden of Casela is home to 140 bird species from throughout the world. The gardens main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world and one which is fighting to avoid extinction. The Aquarium is another of the Mauritian hotspots, home to over 200 species of fish, invertebrates, corals and sponges visitors who are weary of going under the water will be able to view their world on dry land. The Vanille Crocodile & Tortoise Park is another of Mauritius’ eco attractions and is not to be missed.

The Tamarin Falls are undoubtedly one of the islands major attractions. Although difficult to reach the gorgeous series of seven waterfalls is definitely worth the trip.

The Waterpark; with loads of fun water activities and fantastic restaurants, is a hit amongst young old. There are also a range of sublime beaches, museums, monuments, shopping centres, restaurants and pubs scattered across the island.

Apart from the magnificent beauty, the eclectic mix of cultures, attractions and tastes are what draw holidaymakers to Mauritius. There is no better way to spend a holiday than on an island paradise.

  • 3 years ago
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Ten Quirky Reasons for Owning a Pet

Having been a dog owner for the greatest part of my life, I would advise any potential owner that dog ownership has its ups and downs.

Still, the downs (eg. too much barking or excessive poop) are not enough to deter it.

Here are a few plausible, though slightly quirky, reasons to own a dog.

1. A pet is pure eye candy.

To start, dogs are feasts for the eyes. Their absolute cuteness simply makes you go “aww”.

Cloudy, my little West Highland, just drew a laugh out of me this morning when she crawled into my cupboard and insisted that it was her den.

A dog’s whimsical ways simply pull you to it.

2. It keeps you calm.

Besides its cute appearance, a dog keeps you calm. Looking at it alone soothes jangled nerves.

Stroking a dog releases endorphins and raises poor spirits. It also relieves stress.

3. A pet makes a good pillow.

Further, provided you do not squash it with your head, a pet is an excellent pillow.

It is comfortable to at least snuggle next to it, anyway.

4. It is fun.

Pillows aside, pets are fun, They make wonderful playmates and companions.

Would a human catch a ball with his teeth?

5. It may help you out.

And then, pets may also help you. Contrary to popular belief, they do earn their keep.

Use them as doorbells, security guards or pest exterminators.

6. It keeps you secure.

To speak of being guards, dogs make great ones. A dog is a protective creature and will defend you when necessary. It keeps you secure.

7. A pet is good entertainment.

A dog is also wonderful entertainment. It is a lively creature full of hilarious antics.

My terrier, Cloudy, enjoys competing with my Schnauzer, Misty, to see comes in first in a race. I say “bye bye” and cloudy becomes anxious to move in front of Misty.

She also enjoys picking up strange objects and offering them to me.

8. It helps you make friends.

Like all other pets, dogs help the thoroughly introverted make a few friends. There is no better place to find a few than a dog park or even a veterinary clinic with a medical ambience.

9. It is not fussy.

To add, dogs are not as selective as humans. Two dogs may quarrel one day and be great friends the next.

10. It does not ask for much.

They definitely do not ask for much. Other than a little attention or a few obedience classes, you do not have to take it for ballet sessions or choir camp.

Unless your dog is Misty, who yowls when she hears the piano.

If you have not decided to get yourself a dog, what’s stopping you?

  • 3 years ago
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Wartrol Review – Finally the Truth

If you have been infected with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), then you have genital warts. They are probably continually itchy, they look ugly and they are a major cause of frustration.

But, fortunately there is a solution and it is Wartrol. Wartrol’s genital warts treatment is 100% safe and natural. This means there is no possible way of getting side effects from harmful chemicals.

In a recent Wartrol review the performance of Wartrol was studied precisely. The results concluded from this Wartrol review were far better than expected.

Good visible results were seen in approximately 3 week, and complete relief was seen in 4 to 6 months depending on severity. The success of the treatment on all the tested patients was over 97%.

Dermatologists determined the Wartrol treatment extremely effective. The safety of the product is considered very safe. There were no side effects noted what so ever.

By looking at the results of this Wartrol review it’s straightforward to see why Wartrol is by the leader in genital wart treatment. Not only were results of the Wartrol review better than expected statistically, but the patients were more than happy with the ease of the application of the product. They found it more appealing than other painful treatments and embarrassing options.

Among the patients one of the best parts to the product was there were secondary outbreaks within the test group. Both men and women showed absolutely no signs of the genital wart returning.

Wartrol have extremely high standards for themselves in terms of safety and effectiveness, combine this with the potent ingredients, cost efficient prices and a proven reputation it’s no wonder why it’s the best genital warts treatment. The fact they offer a 3 month money back guarantee shows that they have absolute confidence in their product.

  • 3 years ago
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Willpower Ain’t the Triumph of Reason It Pretends to Be

Let’s say there’s something you want to do, even though you know you shouldn’t.

A classic example: reaching for chocolate.

If you’ve ever struggled with temptation and lost, then you know what it’s like:

You tell yourself you shouldn’t.

Then you tell yourself all sorts of reasons why it’s okay. You’ve worked hard, you deserve it, you’ll do better tomorrow, you’ve exercised, does it really make a difference… ?

In the moment, there are so many right-seeming reasons to let go and indulge a little.

When you cave, it seems like a failure of reason – like your emotions or instincts got the better of you. And when you do the disciplined thing and stick to your convictions, it’s like your force of will won out.

This is such a common notion that I don’t think everyone questions it.

And it shows up in the language they use.

They talk about ‘fighting cravings’ and ‘resisting urges’ as if it’s them versus desire.

But if you indulge in more than your average introspection, you realise this isn’t the case.

Your reason, willpower or your sense of self never beats your emotions.

Never.

Whether you’re reigning in your temper or shrugging off an urge, your intellect gets all the credit and deserves none of it.

Consider the chocolate example some more:

You’ve had a long day and you want some. But you also want to stay healthy and slim down a little.

So you have a dilemma – do you resist or go for it?

Well, you decide to resist. But it’s not like your desire is taking your orders right now. You can keep on craving it, even after deciding – even after insisting – you don’t want to.

When you triumph over your baser instinct, it’s not because reason conquered it.

It’s because you know you’ll feel ashamed if you can’t resist some cheap, little temptation.

Or you imagine how great it’ll feel to look amazing on your next date.

Maybe you focus on how bad you sometimes feel after junk food.

You can beat this through hundreds of different mental strategies, all of which have something in common:

You pit one emotion against the other.

Reason doesn’t triumph because reason never enters the fight. It’s less a skilled warrior and more a bureaucrat, hiring mercenaries to fight on their behalf.

Instead of beating yourself up the next time your discipline slips, recognise what really happened.

It wasn’t your failure and it wasn’t even a moment of weakness. You simply picked the wrong emotion to fight for you.

  • 3 years ago
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