Hi and welcome back to another episode of the savvy psychologist I'm your host

Dr Ellen Hendrickson and every week I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

It is that time of year again. After a season of indulgence, we resolve to shape up, dry out, spend less, and generally kick our own

but too often we rely on that elusive force we call willpower.

Now, willpower goes by many aliases.

In the technical language of psychological research, it's called self-control.

But your grandma probably just called it discipline.

Regardless, it's a trait that helps us resist temptation and distraction in the moment. It helps us get out of our cozy bed to go to the gym,

resist buying those awesome shoes we want but don't need, or turn down that Kallua chocolate cheesecake.

But many of us find ourselves helpless in the face of temptation.

So many, in fact, that corporations and advertisers try to take advantage of us?

Why else our check outstands lined with impulse purchases?

Why do commercials urge us to go ahead, indulge, you deserve it?

In fact, in a 2011 survey from the American Psychological Association,

27% of Americans claimed their lack of willpower was the biggest barrier to healthier habit and lifestyle changes.

Now, while willpower can be strengthened, much like a muscle, an alternative is to circumvent it altogether, or at least to conserve it for

when it's most needed.

So no matter the habit you're trying to change, rather than saying no no whenever the devil on your shoulder

whispers temptations into your ear here here are seven tips to keep him from

perching there in the first place.

Tip number one, choose your habit wisely.

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