According to the American Psychological Association (APA) article titled "What You Need to Know about Willpower" these are some key points and conclusions about willpower:
* Willpower is the ability to resist short-term gratification in pursuit of long-term goals.
*Willpower is correlated with positive life outcomes, such as better grades, higher self-esteem, lower substance abuse rates, greater financial security and improved physical and mental health.
*When willpower fails, exposure to an emotionally charged stimulus overrides one's rational, cognitive system, leading to impulsive actions.
* Willpower can be compared to a muscle that becomes fatigued with overuse. Studies show that repeatedly resisting temptation drains the ability to withstand future enticements.
