willpower: Willpower is a skill

As we usher in the New Year, the tradition of making resolutions rekindles. However, the ardour with which we embark on this journey often dissipates swiftly, leaving us perplexed because of our inability to sustain the winning spirit. The crux of this dilemma lies in understanding behavioural dynamics between the planning and execution phase, to enable a proactive and pragmatic approach while deciding upon positive affirmations to experience the ‘Eureka’ moment.

At the core of numerous obstacles, lack of ‘willpower’ emerges as the most critical factor that can either propel us to success or leave us floundering in defeat. The Chhandogya Upanishad emphasises the concept of willpower during Sanat Kumar’s dialogue with Narad. In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn in ‘Vishwaroop Darshan Yog’ urges Arjun to harness willpower to conquer his foes.

From a neuroscientific lens, willpower is a skill honed through conscious effort. Practices such as positive self-talk, meditation, mindfulness and prayers can sculpt the neural mechanisms crucial for robust willpower.

So, let us ensure that the demonic forces within do not subjugate our willpower; instead, let the divine forces govern our lives, as expounded in the Bhagwad Gita chapter on the Yog of the Division of Divine and Demonic Nature. May the New Year herald a soulful beginning where the resonance of willpower echoes in our every endeavour as ‘Spirit ignites the spark, willpower fans the flame’.