Generally speaking, we tend to overestimate our capabilities. We like to think we can do it all, and do it better than anyone else. But no matter how disciplined we are or how hard we try, without a ‘sane estimate of [our] capabilities’, we’re setting ourselves up for a fall if we overestimate ourselves.

Author John Ortberg said: ‘Willpower is…finite…You don’t get separate stockpiles for different areas…That’s why a long list of New Year’s resolutions is almost certainly doomed…It takes a whole lot of willpower...For most of us…our wills get depleted…more quickly than our bodies.’

John Ortberg suggests these:

1) Schedule your most important tasks for when your willpower is strongest. For many people, that’s the morning, but it can vary. We should try to be aware of times when we’re more decisive, and less likely to be swayed by temptations (big or small), and try to do important tasks at those times.

2) Spend willpower wisely by not taking on too many tasks at once, even after you’ve prayed about them. God generally works through our will, so we need to be careful in how much we rely on our willpower. We don’t want to spend it all and have none left for God.

3) Set goals – but not too many. If we have too few, we tend to drift; but having too many means we worry more about them, accomplish less, and struggle emotionally and physically.

4) Remember that the one act of our will that replenishes willpower instead of depleting it is surrender to God. God meant for prayer, solitude, worship, and meditation to be done in a way that restores us.

What Now?

Do you know what time of day your willpower’s at its strongest? As you go about your day, try to be aware of times when you’re more likely to be tempted. Once you have an idea, follow the advice in today’s reading and try to do your most important tasks then.