Decision making Quote by Laura Vanderkam
““You have one energy resource that is used for all kinds of acts for self-control. That includes not just resisting food temptations, but also controlling your thought processes, controlling your emotions, all forms of impulse control, and trying to perform well at your job or other tasks. Even more surprisingly, it is used for decision making, so when you make choices you are (temporarily) using up some of what you need for self-control. Hard thinking, like logical reasoning, also uses it.” Over the course of a day, dealing with traffic, frustrating bosses, and bickering children, plus—more insidiously—electronic temptations that are as alluring as fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a person’s supply of willpower is simply used up.””
About This Quote
Source Book: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think, Laura Vanderkam, 2015
Willpower is a finite mental resource consumed by self‑control tasks; continuous demands deplete it, affecting decision‑making and performance.
In simple terms: Willpower runs out when overused.
Key Takeaway
Conserve mental energy for important tasks.
Themes
self‑control
energy management
decision making
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
advice
psychology
When to use this quote
- work deadlines
- parenting stress
- digital distractions
- traffic jams
Key Concepts
ego depletion
cognitive load
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect your willpower?
- What habits restore mental energy?
A Different Perspective
Willpower can be replenished with rest and breaks.
