The first book to explain the new science of self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve our health, happiness, and productivity. The Willpower Instinct is based on Stanford University psychologist Kelly McGonigal�s wildly popular course �The Science of Willpower.� Informed by the latest research and combining cutting-edge insights from psychology, economics, neuroscience, and medicine, The Willpower Instinct explains exactly what willpower is, how it works, why it matters, and how to get more of it. For example, readers will learn: Willpower is a mind-body response, not a virtue. Too much self-control can be bad for your health. Giving up control is sometimes the only way to gain self-control. Willpower failures are contagious. The Willpower Instinct combines life-changing prescriptive, advice, and complementary exercises to help readers tackle goals ranging from losing weight to more patient parenting, less procrastination, better health, and greater productivity at work.