Is Self-Control Overrated?

Is Self-Control Overrated?

Author: The Art of Manliness September 16, 2024 Duration: 1:05:24

Self-control, the ability to resolve a conflict between two competing desires, is frequently touted as the golden key to success. But many of the most popular ideas about self-control are actually at odds with how it really operates.

Here to unpack some of the lesser-understood and counterintuitive ideas around discipline and willpower is Michael Inzlicht, a professor of psychology who has studied the nature of self-regulation in depth. In the first part of our conversation, Michael unpacks the popular ego depletion model of willpower and how it hasn't held up to scientific scrutiny. We then turn to the surprising fact that the people who seem to exhibit a lot of self-control don't actually exercise a lot of discipline and restraint in their lives, that the achievement of goals is more a function of having virtuous desires, and what contributes to having those desires.

Resources Related to the PodcastConnect With Michael Inzlicht

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


You'll find conversations here that cut through the noise, focusing on what it means to live a substantive life. The Art of Manliness features in-depth discussions with historians, authors, coaches, and philosophers, exploring timeless ideas and practical skills. Each episode is built on the belief that character and competence are cultivated through deliberate practice and reflection. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast delves into the principles behind everything from building physical resilience and fostering deeper friendships to navigating ethical dilemmas and managing time with purpose. The conversations are grounded, often pulling lessons from history, classic literature, and the firsthand experiences of remarkable individuals. It’s a resource for anyone interested in the ongoing project of self-improvement and understanding their role in society and culture. By focusing on actionable wisdom over abstract theory, the show provides a steady stream of thoughtful content that challenges listeners to reconsider their daily habits and long-term goals. Tune in for a consistently engaging blend of the philosophical and the intensely practical, all aimed at helping you develop a more intentional and effective approach to your life's work and relationships.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Art of Manliness
Podcast Episodes
Chasing the White Whale — Into the Depths of Moby-Dick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
If you went to high school in America, you probably read Moby-Dick — or, more likely, you skimmed the CliffsNotes and wondered why this dense, whale-obsessed novel was considered a classic.That was me in 10th grade.But e…
The 6 Practices of the Ultimate Morning Routine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:08
There's been a lot of talk about morning routines in the last few years. But the idea is hardly new; famous men from Thomas Aquinas to Benjamin Franklin structured their mornings to accomplish great deeds and live flouri…
The Classical Code of Manhood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:51
What does it mean to be a man? It’s a timeless question that's been answered in different ways across the ages. For the ancient Romans, the word for manliness was virtus — the root of our word virtue. To be a man meant l…
Why You Need the Good Stress of Socializing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:41
You may have heard of hormesis — the idea that intentionally embracing small stressors activates the body’s repair and defense systems, building resilience, improving how the body and even the microbiome function, and ul…
Good Anger — Harnessing a Misunderstood Emotion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
Most people think of anger as a problem — something to avoid or repress. It’s irrational, immature, and best left behind.But what if anger isn’t bad? What if it can actually be an incredibly positive, productive, energiz…