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.