Besides intelligence, willpower is meant to be the single most important trait for success in life. In our latest SmartList, we explain simple ways to improve your self-control.除了智商，意志力对于超过的人生是非常重要的。我们今天介绍几个方法来提升自制力。
Intriguingly, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron claims to use this strategy before important meetings. The idea is that while the brain is exercising self-control on one task, its discipline spreads to any other task at hand. In one study, for instance, some participants were asked to drink a few glasses of flavoured water. Before having the chance to relieve themselves, they were given the opportunity to earn some money. The participants who needed the toilet were more likely to forgo放弃 a smaller, immediate award in order to receive a bigger pay-out later on – a classic test of willpower. 英国首相在重大会议前都会利用这个策略。实验证明当脑集中时，会先完成首要事情。憋尿能制止冲动决定。
Psychologists think of willpower as a “limited resource” – essentially, you can use it up over the course of a day. We can’t always choose when our self-control is going to be tested, of course – but when making a big decision (about whether to buy a car, or end your marriage, say) you may do better to sleep on it. 考虑一晚上再决定Otherwise, you may face regret in the morning.意志是有限的，做重大决定前要考虑久一点。
Self-control uses up the brain’s energy reserves, meaning that you are more weak-willed when you are hungry. One study found that judges are more likely to make rash judgements before lunch for this very reason – and it could also explain why we lose our temper and get “hangry” around dinnertime. But a simple sweet drink can give you a boost and restore your reserves. It’s not a good strategy if you are trying to be healthy, though.饿的时候缺乏自制力和脾气不好，容易冲动。
Although willpower can wear down over the day (and with hunger) there are ways to restore it.
自制力是有方法复原的。
One option is comedy. A recent study found that people who watched funny videos were better at controlling their impulses later on. They were more likely to stomach a nasty-tasting drink, for instance, that was meant to be good for their health.方案一是看喜剧。
Self-control often involves suppressing some difficult emotions, as you keep your eye on the prize. Fortunately, mindful contemplation 沉思 helps you to balance your feelings, so that you can continue to act in your own best interests.One simple technique is to focus your attention across different parts of the body, observing the unique sensations in each place.通过沉思，探索感受身体各部位独立触觉。
The mind automatically associates guilt with pleasure – meaning that we find our vices恶习 even moreenticing 迷人的when we know we’re not meant to enjoy them. Conversely, a little guilt-free indulgence放纵may just be the rest you need to help you maintain your resolve. So if you do find yourself breaking a resolution, don’t beat yourself up – just see it as a momentary lapse that will leave you renewed and ready to fight on. 人脑会自动把内疚和欢乐联系一起，但少点自责感，少打击自己更容易解决问题。
一盟wechat：ymedu_gz
