Strong willpower paves the way for success. So, it will be beneficial for human beings if they can enhance it, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
let us understand what willpower is. It is defined as mental control over one’s impulses. It is also defined as strong desire and determination. It is a function of the mind, ie one of the three, which are thinking, feeling and willing. Without much willpower, one is prone to get addicted to harmful objects. Mental diseases of many kinds have their genesis in weak willpower when one allows oneself to think of the worst. On the other hand, there are enormous benefits of having strong willpower, which gives one the ability to control thoughts and actions of self in order to achieve what one intends to do. One can take challenges which are too daunting for a common man. Such persons generally make something of their lives. Successful persons have strong willpower, which propels them forward. Similarly, one can face and get out of the most difficult situations; will not break down.
One can tap a lot of hidden energy from one’s inside. The way a human body has been made, it possesses huge potential. It is said that one uses less than one tenth of one’s brain power. A person with strong willpower does reach one’s potential. One with strong willpower will make clear goals for himself and go on with plenty of enthusiasm progressing well to achieve whatever one has set out to do. One will be able to fulfil one’s duties/obligations. We are all assessed by the way we do our duties, which actually define a person. One will be able to control one’s senses and use them appropriately. Besides the mind, our senses give us the maximum trouble. Trouble is always brewing inside of us only. Strong willpower helps one to avoid all kinds of temptations. Who is generally regular in doing exercises and reaps all kinds of health benefitsIJ It is not difficult to guess the answer. And strong willpower gets one leadership roles.
If willpower is so beneficial, how does one enhance itIJ Because willpower is a function of the mind, control over the mind is essential. When I say mind control, I mean that the mind should be friendly. As the mind is the leader of all the senses, one cannot be too strict with it also but it should not give us worries and fears. That much control is a must. Pleasing the senses is fine but lustful enjoyments are to be completely avoided because they weaken willpower. Austerity in all our activities promotes willpower.
The same is true of goodness. The mode of goodness contributes greatly in increasing willpower. This means that whatever we do should be in goodness like seeing, hearing, talking, etc. Doing good deeds give good feelings, which increase mental strength and consequently willpower. The quality of courage is crucial in strengthening willpower. lord Krishna had chastised Arjuna for lack of courage. (Gita 2.2-3) Similarly, lord Krishna has spoken about maintaining equanimity in several verses of the Bhagavad Gita. Because it has a lot to do with willpower.
Good association helps because good qualities like bad ones rub on one another. It has been seen that joining the Indian Army runs into many generations. Good guidance likewise helps in inculcating this vital quality for living a quality life. Faith in God helps in controlling the mind, which helps enhancing willpower. For this, spiritual practices are required. They give realisations of the higher kind. One is, then, motivated to try to increase one’s willpower. Spiritual consciousness covers higher qualities like willpower. Yes, we all possess some willpower for sure but is it enough for what we desire in lifeIJ If not it is time we begin looking at ways to enhance it.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com