How does exercise intensity influence cognitive control? In a new experimental study (Peruyero et al., 2017), participants were assigned to one of three groups: no exercise, light-intensity exercise, or high-intensity exercise. Their inhibitory control was tested before and after the workout. The results: People who had just exercised intensely did better at the cognitive test than those who had exercised lightly, while those who had not exercised at all performed the worst. This drives yet … [Read more...]
Why I No Longer Take Caffeine Before My Workouts
I have been using coffee, energy drinks, and pre-workout boosters before my strength workouts for years. No more though! As part of my mindfulness challenge, I have quit all habitual drug use. Here is why. In general, psychoactive drugs put the brain in a special state. This is great for broadening the mind (psychedelic experimentation), socializing at parties (alcoholic celebration), and performing at a peak level (stimulantic achievement). Importantly, drugs are awesome if used … [Read more...]
Pride Experience Vs. Pride Anticipation
A key point in my book Willpower Condensed is that true pride fuels willpower and motivates self-discipline. Importantly, we must consider two different mechanisms: Pride experience (being prideful, being praised), the emotional reward for having done something great, conditions our will to keep aiming at long-term goals and to stay in line with our core values. Pride anticipation (wanting to experience pride), the emotional fuel for a pride-conditioned will, motivates our will to stay … [Read more...]
Taoism and Martial Arts: On Non-Doing and Fighting
In yesterday's blog post (Alan Watts on Self-Discipline and Self-Acceptance), I discussed the duality of yielding flow and unyielding willpower. Today, I want you to consider the real-life consequences of a philosophy that underestimates the forceful power of will: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-KX99T5r3A I understand that my introduction to this video was unfair and misleading. Taoism, which inspired Tai Chi, is more a matter of mindset and intention than of outward behavior. A Taoist … [Read more...]
Weakness of Will: A Manifestation of Hell
Weakness of will Not taking action when the calling is loud and clear Bullshit excuses Misusing reason to justify a false will Escape into pleasure Pursuing shallow good feelings to be readily distracted These are the omens Flames flaring up from a personal hell Beware of the devil Hiding right around the corner of a wasted life Stay focused Doing what you truly want But know, too All restless doing's spiritual deficiency A hellish trap Not hearing the soul's call over the … [Read more...]
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