Willpower
A cognitive function that Johnson explains is directly dependent on sleep quality, as sleep deprivation causes the prefrontal cortex to go offline.
First Mentioned
10/15/2025, 4:28:52 AM
Last Updated
10/15/2025, 4:29:40 AM
Research Retrieved
10/15/2025, 4:29:40 AM
Summary
Willpower, also known as self-control or self-discipline, is a cognitive function defined as the ability to control one's own actions, thoughts, and behavior, especially in difficult situations, to pursue long-term goals over short-term gratification. Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson emphasizes that high-quality sleep is the most impactful health intervention for enhancing willpower, as it ensures the optimal functioning of the prefrontal cortex. He advocates for specific sleep hygiene practices, such as avoiding screens before bed, limiting caffeine, and finishing meals hours before sleep, to improve sleep and consequently boost willpower. Johnson challenges the 'grind culture' prevalent among startup founders, asserting that prioritizing sleep leads to better performance. This perspective on willpower is integral to his broader 'Don't Die' philosophy, which focuses on longevity and optimal human functioning.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Synonyms
Will power, self-control, discipline, resolve, determination, drive, self-discipline, self-command, self-possession.
Definition
The ability to control or restrain oneself; the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges to pursue long-term goals.
Associated Brain Region
Prefrontal Cortex
Impact of Enhanced Willpower
Improved performance, better mental health, mitigation of anxiety and depression.
Enhancement Method (Bryan Johnson)
Optimizing for high-quality sleep
Philosophical Context (Bryan Johnson)
'Don't Die' (longevity and optimal functioning)
Web Search Results
- Willpower - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com
SKIP TO CONTENT IPA guide Other forms: willpowers Willpower is the ability to control or restrain yourself. If you bake brownies and can keep yourself from tasting them until after dinner, you can thank your willpower. [...] A less descriptive — but simpler — way to say willpower is simply will. Whichever word you prefer, you can use it to describe someone's deliberate or purposeful control. In the case of willpower, the person is likely to be resisting a temptation or impulse. It takes willpower not to argue with someone whose opinions make you angry, and willpower to eat just one potato chip. Definitions of willpower 1. noun the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior [...] synonyms: possession, self-command, self-control, self-possession, self-will, will power see moresee less types: nerves control of your emotions presence of mind self-control in a crisis; ability to say or do the right thing in an emergency type of: firmness, firmness of purpose, resoluteness, resolution, resolve the trait of being resolute Pronunciation US /ˌwɪlˈpaʊər/ UK /ˈwɪlpaʊwə/ Cite this entry Style: MLA MLA APA Chicago Copy citation
- Willpower: Definition, psychology, and more
+ Bezzy Breast Cancer + Bezzy MS + Bezzy Migraine + Bezzy Psoriasis ### Follow Us # Willpower: What it is and how to improve it Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD — Written by Amy Murnan on August 22, 2022 Willpower is a person’s ability to control their own actions in order to pursue long-term goals. Other names for this concept include self-control, discipline, and resolve. [...] Sometimes, people can benefit from support in changing how they think about a situation, such as from a therapist. Learn more about cognitive restructuring. ## Summary Willpower is the ability to control one’s own behavior intentionally. It is part of how humans make decisions, particularly when it comes to prioritizing long-term goals or short-term gratification. [...] However, psychologists have differing ideas about how willpower works and how important it is for explaining human behavior. In this article, learn more about what willpower is, how it affects behavior, and how to improve it. ## What is willpower? Willpower is a person’s ability to consciously control their behavior. Often, people use the term “willpower” when talking about behaviors that require significant mental or physical effort, such as:
- What you need to know about willpower: The psychological science ...
In children as well as adults, willpower can be thought of as a basic ability to delay gratification. Preschoolers with good self-control sacrifice the immediate pleasure of a chewy marshmallow in order to indulge in two marshmallows at some later point. Ex-smokers forfeit the enjoyment of a cigarette in order to experience good health and avoid an increased risk of lung cancer in the future. Shoppers resist splurging at the mall so they can save for a comfortable retirement. And so on. [...] We have many common names for willpower: determination, drive, resolve, self-discipline, self-control. But psychologists characterize willpower, or self-control, in more specific ways. According to most psychological scientists, willpower can be defined as: [...] It’s clear that willpower is a necessary component of healthy eating. In an environment where unhealthy (and mouthwatering) food choices are everywhere, resisting temptation is likely to deplete willpower, chipping away at the resolve of even highly motivated dieters. Yet overeating behaviors are complex, with numerous psychological and neurological underpinnings. As a result, the role of willpower is somewhat contentious when discussing treatments for obesity.
- WILLPOWER Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Est. 1828 Definition Definition Synonyms Example Sentences Word History Rhymes Entries Near + Cite this EntryCitation + Share + Kids DefinitionKids + More from M-W Show more Show more + Citation + Share + Kids + More from M-W + To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In # willpower ## noun will·pow·er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r") Synonyms of willpower : the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
- WILLPOWER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
Add to word list Add to word list the ability to control your own thoughts and behavior, esp. in difficult situations: Staying on a diet takes a lot of willpower. (Definition of willpower from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) ## Examples of willpower willpower They may not actually have more willpower, but they use it more wisely. From The Atlantic And it has nothing to do with willpower in any way. From National Geographic [...] Cambridge Dictionary +Plus My profile +Plus help Log out {{userName}} Cambridge Dictionary +Plus My profile +Plus help Log out Log in / Sign up English (US) # Meaning of willpower in English Add to word list Add to word list C2 the ability to control your own thoughts and the way in which you behave: It took a lot of willpower to stay calm. I don't have the willpower to diet. Synonym determination (TRYING HARD) Compare SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases [...] See more сила воли… See more సంకల్ప బలం / మీ స్వంత ఆలోచనలను, మీరు ప్రవర్తించే విధానాన్ని నియంత్రించే సామర్థ్యం… See more ইচ্ছাশক্তি… See more síla vůle… See more tekad… See more กำลังใจ… See more quyết tm… See more siła woli, siłą woli… See more Need a translator? Get a quick, free translation! Translator tool ## Browse willow willow (tree)") willow pattern willowy willpower willy willy-nilly Wilms' tumor Wilms' tumour Word of the Day Nobel prize UK
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Willpower, Avenida General Mosconi, Villa Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires, Comuna 12, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1419, Argentina
Coordinates: -34.5853766, -58.5004166
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