Scheduling an Event
My large conference and corporate events, and related travel arrangements, are managed by The Leigh Bureau speakers’ agency. To arrange a talk, event, or keynote, please contact them directly. If you would like to set up another type of event, such as a book talk/signing, workshop, retreat, or fundraiser for a non-profit/charity, please fill out this event request form (and not the interview request form below).
Arranging an Interview
I am happy to speak with the press. Please fill out the interview request form below, and I will typically respond on the same day.
For inquiries about my local classes, check updated schedules and registration information at:
Stanford Continuing Studies (quarterly public courses in psychology; registration required)
Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism (compassion cultivation trainings and teacher training)
Avalon Yoga Center, Palo Alto (drop-in yoga classes and yoga teacher training)
Uforia Fitness Studios, Palo Alto (drop-in group fitness classes)
All other messages and requests:
I always appreciate hearing from readers and others interested in psychology, compassion, mindfulness, healthcare, and service/outreach. Please understand that I am not always able to respond to individual inquiries/questions. The best way to get in touch with me and start a conversation is through Twitter (@kellymcgonigal).
In your interview on NPR January 1, 2010 you mentioned a study about exercise changing a variety of behaviors. What was the study & where can I access it?
Thanks,
Murray Neale
You’re probably thinking of: Oaten, M., & Cheng, K. (2006). Longitudinal Gains in Self-Control from Regular Physical Exercise. British Journal of Health Psychology, 11, 717-733.
There’s lots of other evidence for the benefits of exercise on self-control — my book covers it in a few chapters and provides citations.
Best,
Kelly
Thank you!
I just watched your talk at the Stanford Happiness Conference 2011 on youtube and it was very fascinating. I’m currently writing a thesis on self-compassion and several of the studies you mention would be helpful for my literature review. However, I couldn’t read who the research was done by. Do you happen to have a link to those studies? Many thanks, and I look forward to studying your work more.
Check out Kristin Neff’s self-compassion research webpage. Not only does it list all the studies, but includes the actual PDFs of almost every study! Best of luck with your thesis on a really important topic. Kelly
https://webspace.utexas.edu/neffk/pubs/listofpublications.htm
Just finished reading your book ‘The WIllpower Instinct’ and it was so helpful, informative and frequently quite funny. I borrowed it from the library since I’m an epic frugalist (wondering if I have hyperopic tendencies) but might actually consider purchasing it. I’m wondering if your ‘Science of Willpower’ course is ever offered in an online format and – failing that – whether you’ve ever given any consideration to creating a workbook that people could use in a group setting to proceed through the material in the course and in your book in a ‘study circle’ type format (like people do with voluntary simplicity for example). Thanks again for writing such a great book.
Dear Dr. McGonigal; Hiya. I’m 20 pages from finishing your book. I guess I didn’t have the willpower to wait till I finished it to write you. I kid. It’s a great book. A Tour de’ Snickers. Figured I should shoot this e-mail off before I forget. I read Baumeisters book . You site him and his research. Obviously yours is more comprehensive and filled with more helpful real life info. I got one thing from his book, that willpower depletes and by the end of the day you have less or none. I’m not sure you agree with that, but that fact helps me with my eating challenge. I was wondering. I’m a wonderer. Since you give a class in this. Might you have a cheat-sheet, a hand-out, a kind of over-all chart – that’s a thumbnail, at-a-glance over-view, that might have highlights like dopamine, halo-effect, wait-ten-minutes, meditation…There’s just so much you bring to the table in the book and it’s a lot to take in, and it’s all important. I plan on going back and scanning and highlighting to create my own, but I’m a one man business and just so busy, as things are a real challenge now. I heard you on Joe Cooper on WLRN in Miami, and bought your book. I have some profound challenges, that understanding and implementing your willpower research could really make the difference for me. Thanks again. – Jonny Katof
Hi Kelly. You were my editor on a couple of pieces way back when. I am now training at Duke Integrative Medicine — specifically in integrative health coaching (taught as a standardized intervention for lifestyle change). They have limited studies on it so far but I can send you the literature if you want. The intervention (not far from MI model, but predicated on a mind/body practice as “cornerstone of change”) exemplifies the use of mindfulness & awareness of vision/long term goals to sustain new behaviors. Hope you’re well! Take care, Susanna PS Bought the book & love it.
So glad to hear you are doing the integrative health coaching! I wrote an article about Duke’s program for Shambhala Sun and I’m glad to hear they will have you as a resource.
I listened to your interview on CBC’s Spark yesterday. I really enjoyed, not just the substance of what you said, though that spoke to me strongly, but your personableness and humour.
A few of the things you said – particularly about how important awareness is – made me wonder if you’re familiar with the Inner Game books by* Timothy Gallwey. He didn’t have the science to back him up at the time, so he had to go on empirical observation and experiment, but he had many similar things to say, even back in the 70s.
*as co-authored, in some cases, like The Inner Game of Music, which is mostly by Barry Green.
Great book! Are you planning to train other trainers to conduct “Science of Willpower” courses? I would certainly be interested. Also, as clinical director of an outpatient addiction treatment center I would love to be part of a multi-site study on the benefits of your program when added to standard addiction treatment.
Kelly, to follow up on my earlier comment: During our training as psychologists we are steeped in the scientist/practitioner ideal, but for those of us working with clients every day it’s easy to fall into relying on “common sense” and “clinical wisdom” (some of which is certainly misguided). Continuing education training for therapists (perhaps like what you do with teachers but on the “Science of Willpower” topic) would be a real boon to practitioners, particularly those like me in the addiction field. Of course, counselors in all areas of specialty will find the material compelling and extremely practical. If you’d consider certifying or subcontracting other psychologists to do the course, I would be interested. I have taught continuing education courses throughout the U.S. and I think a course on this topic would really bring in participants.
I am an Irish Stanford Biz School grad. Found you self compassion talks very relevant given my experience growing up in Ireland. Also, as a person diagnosed with ADHD I find your self control/willpower insights to be excellent and appropriate for my life. Have bought your books, and CD from sounds true site.
THANKS for the great difference in my life and speaking about things of universal importance and application.
Thanks Ronan, from an Irish girl. I hope you find some value in the CDs. Self-compassion is a continuing journey for me as well. Best,
Kelly
Hi there,
I was particularly interested in the Feb. 24 New York Times article on bad habits and identifying with Your Future Self.
I’ve got a project I think you might be interested in: http://myfutureself.com — in which your future self sends you questions to be answered via email. Until reading the NYT article I hadn’t thought about how identifying with your future self might help change habits…
I’d love an invitation code — this looks great! I’d also love to do a Science of Willpower blog post on it when the site is fully launched.
Sure thing — send an email to canton[at]gmail.com so I know where to email the code (or click the request link on the home page at My Future Self.)
Hi Kelly. I am Anna. Your Willpower book is superb and I can’t put it down. That does not happen to me too often. I am only sad that you did not include references for the studies you cite. I am currently working on a chapter for professional mental-health audience, on the topic of willpower during the ‘terrible twos’. The studies you cite on p.92 by researchers at Baruch College in New York (re: Big Mac effect) would be most helpful to me. Would you be able to take the time to send me the reference?
Thanking you in advance…. Anna Hall
Hi Anna,
All the references for every study are in the book’s endnotes, by page number. What version do you have that the references aren’t included?
Kelly
Kelly.
Thank you for your quick response. I had overlooked the Notes section at the end of the book. I now looked in your Notes for page 92, which is what I need, but there is no citation for it. I need the study by marketing researchers from Baruch College, that simulates the McDonald situation when they first introduced salads into the menu. Can you find me that reference?
You do have a reference designated for pg. 93 by Kahn and Dahr, and I looked up that research, but they are addressing the temporal aspect of choice and self-control, which seems to me is different from the essential meaning of what the ‘Mc Donald study’ illustrates.
Sorry for bothering you so. You seem like an extraordinarily busy person. How can you answer our questions so quickly and do it so well?
Anna
It’s the ref right above it, labeled “salad increases unhealthy choice” – Wilcox et al 2009. Best,
Kelly
Hello! I just finished your book (I absolutely loved it! The first self-help book that makes sense to me…) and I have two questions:
1. Are there any guided meditation CD’s that you can recommend to me?
2. Like the comment left by Jonny Katof on 3/7, I too am wondering if you have any chart where you have all the suggestions organized. I’d love to take your class, but I am on the East Coast!
Many thanks!
Hi Jeanne,
I just released a set of cds/downloadable MP3s with Sounds True that includes 6 different meditations to support self-control and self-compassion: http://www.amazon.com/The-Neuroscience-Change-Compassion-Based-Transformation/dp/1604077905/ or download at soundstrue.com
I don’t have a chart but it’s a good idea. I need to put something together!
Best,
Kelly
Thanks so much for your quick reply! I will check out the CD’s/MP3′s, and start designing my own chart…I have half the book highligted, so it will be a little tricky! I am so hopeful that I will finally be able to acheive lasting success in my I will/I won’t challenge. (I’m trying to change my I won’t into an I will)
Take care,
Jeanne
Good luck! Know that there are people rooting for your success, no matter what ups and downs happen along the way.
Best,
Kelly
Thanks much Anna
I am writing from Madrid, Spain. I read with great interest your book entitled “The willpower instinct”. I found it impressive. It is more interesting than any other in this topic. So, congratulations!!!
I spoke to some friends about your book, and they ended up interested in it. The problem is that they cannot read English (I am translating for them some selected parts of the book). Are you going to publish an edition in Spanish of this book? It would be great. I am sure that many people would also find it interesting and helpful. Best regards.
The Spanish edition will be available in June!
I am just finishing your book and it is great – definitely life changing! One of the ways I learn and apply books is highlight and summarize book so I can revisit and apply what I learn in my life. I have worked with children/youth for 20 years and currently I am a houseparent for underprivileged middle school girls. I am going to try to repackage the materials in your book for our students and present it to them so they can learn and apply the principles into their lives (their biggest problems arise from not controlling their thoughts and actions). This material is great for adults, but just think of the effect it would have if kids were to learn how to control their willpower at a younger age. I should end up with something that could turn into your book for youth. Would you be interested in me sending it to you when it is completed?
Hi Joe,
I’m just seeing your comment now so hopefully you have follow-up comments enabled. I would be interested in seeing your notes on Kelly’s book adapted for kids. What’s been your experience like so far using these techniques with your youth?
Check out Adele Diamond’s 2011 paper, “Interventions shown to Aid Executive Function Development in Children 4–12 Years Old.” You may find it interesting.
Best,
Shane
Just wanted to add that is a great paper recommendation — it communicates a very important point, that overly specific “brain training” or cognitive training is less helpful than supporting kids’ socioemotional well-being and regular physical exercise (especially with elements of mindful self-control, like yoga and martial arts).
My read of the research is the same goes for adults.
Hi Kelly, I’m 40 years old entrepreneur from Ukraine. Your book was the first book in my life that I decided to read again after I’ve just finished reading it . Great study. Thank You. Evgeniy
I have just finished reading willpower instinct , actually i was already sober for 5 months when i started to read and as well non smoker for 8 months , but now i understand very well how will power works and i feel myself stronger after finishing this book.
I would like to thank you for such a life changing book. For sure it will become my everyday pocket book for whole my life.
What i have discovered as well that if my i wan’t power is pretty high as i quit smoking and drinking , my i will power is very week , i am delaying daily things very often , especially i delay tasks which implementation requires many workhours .
Please can you give specific advise how can i overcome my procrastination and what is the phsycological reason of procrastination?
Visited Avalon yesterday and bought your book. I am excited as I see a motivation link using to get positive results from wellness programs that mean well but statistically are not getting the ROI expected.
Dear Kelly,
I’m a Spanish medicine student (in dire need for a book like yours), I’m at the first “listen” and have found your book very interesting so far. Today I commented to a friend who is a Psychiatrist in training and is starting to specialize in addictions about the fishbowl method to help keep patients clean… but I didn’t hear any studies mentioned nor was I able to find them online, could you please refer me to any papers that deal with the matter?
That would be very kind of you
Congrats for your great book!
The lead author is NM Petry — do a pubmed or google search for Petry and contingency management and you’ll find a decade of publications. Here’s a good one to start: http://dionysus.psych.wisc.edu/coursewebsites/PSY741/Lecture/Txt/Stitzer2006a.pdf
Also, the print version of the book (both English and the Spanish translation, “Autocontrol,” have hundreds of references to all the studies and strategies mentioned. That’s the one downside of audio versions!
Best,
Kelly
Dear Dr. MoGonigal,
I just recently finished reading your book, and wanted to mention a couple of things that came to mind while I was reading the chapter “Don’t Read This Chapter.” I often have difficulty maintaining focus when I’m trying to meditate: as a very “left-brained” person, my mind is always chattering. I’ve found something that can help if I’m trying to focus on a particular image or concept: if a stray thought wanders in, I focus on it for a moment, then mentally turn it as though it were an image on a page, and observe the desired image behind it.
The other thing I wanted to mention relates to the opposite problem: being unable to *stop* thinking about something. Many years ago, I had just left a disastrous relationship, and found myself unable to get my mind off my ex. Every thought would reroute to her, like a series of trains all caught by the same misbegotten stuck switch. Fortunately, I decided to seek help, and the therapist suggested that an effective way to break that cycle would be to start naming everything I saw around me (silently, of course) if I felt myself starting that slide into thinking of her again. It wasn’t always easy or effective, but overall I found it far better than letting my mind go racing down that same track.
Best regards, and thanks for a fascinating and useful book!
Kelly,
The Willpower book is great- thank you for writting it! I also bought the Neuroscience of Change and I’m listening to it right now. As much as I love listening to it, I would also love the opportunity to own the book in written form. It there any way I can by The Neuroscience of Change as a book?
Also, any way to take your class online?
PS- I found you thru Brian Johnson & his Philosophers Notes.
Thanks
David Trapp
Hi David,
I’m so glad your enjoying the books! The Neuroscience of Change was unscripted, recorded live. Right now it isn’t transcribed, as far as I know, but Sounds True may at some point publish a transcription.
I will be teaching a version of the Neuroscience of Change as a live online course through Sounds True for 6 weeks starting in September; I may offer my Science of Willpower course through iTunes University in 2013. I’ll post those announcement on this site when they are available!
Best,
Kelly
Kelly – I work in IT dealing with Change. Was wondering whether your research applies to group level Change as well as individual. Any thoughts on this or where to explore would be appreciated
Simon
I have the audio book and I am loving it! I’d love to have a written list of the exercises. Have you created one? A PDF, maybe?
Which audiobook? I will have a series of exercise handouts for the Sounds True audiobook for the online version of the course I’m teaching with them this fall. I can email you those PDFs when they are ready, if that’s what you need!
If it’s the willpower audiobook, just the print book itself.
Best,
Kelly
I purchased it from Audible.com. Gildan Media Corp. I don’t think I can print it, can I?
I’d like to have the PDFs. When is the online course and what are the costs?
I started mediating yesterday. It begins!
Thanks for your response.
Hi, Kelly: A group of friends are signing up to take your September on-line course. We plan to view it together, then discuss. Three questions: Is there reading material you recommend we complete prior to the class? (I have read Willpower Instinct – it was terrific and very helpful). Will there be group discussion materials available? Any other recommendations to help us make the most of this group opportunity? Thanks for your inspiring work. Carol Coker
Hi Carol,
I’m so excited to hear about your group plan! I hadn’t planned on recommended readings, but that is a good idea. I’ll think about articles and/or if there’s good overlap with The Willpower Instinct.
There will be reflection questions each week that could be used as discussion prompts, along writing exercises and other optional homework. I think it would wonderful to do some of them together. I hope you’ll keep me posted during the class about how the group is going.
Best,
Kelly
Hi Kelly!
I’m currently listening to The Willpower Instinct and loving it! I would have loved to hear you narrate the book but I’m sure you’re very busy. I’ve recommended it to several friends and family.
I know there is a bibliography reference in the back of the book. Do you have a PDF version? I’d love to read up more on the studies you referenced.
Thank so much,
Amy Hathcock
Just emailed them to you — anyone else who wants this list can leave a comment here using the email address you want them sent to! Best,
Kelly
Hello Kelly,
I am an Indian Psychologist interested in mindfulness and have just finished registering for your The Science of Mindfulness course at Stanford along with my husband. Really looking forward to it! Are you offering any mindfulness related workshops for mental health professionals in the Bay area in the near future? Thanks!
Hi Meghana,
I don’t have any public or one-day CE events in the Bay Area scheduled right now; I”ll be doing some on the road (eg Baltimore, Vancouver, San Diego) and will post them on my events page.
I look forward to having you in class! I hope you will find it personally and professionally interesting.
Best,
Kelly
Thanks Kelly!
女神，你是我偶像
Kelly, I somehow found your video on self compassion and the series of videos on new year resolutions and found them very valuable. I suffer from major depression and recently panic attacks. I blame myself for everything so learning self compassion has been very helpful. I’ve watched these videos several times and are a big deal in helping me deal with my constant self condemnation. The example of students beating themselves up or not over procrastinating for exams is one I think of often.
Unfortunately I went to watch the videos just now and I find they are now “private.” Is there any way I can get permission to watch them or download them. Overcoming decades of self condemnation is a serious challenge and watching these videos has been serious help.
My sister lives in Redwood City and also teaches Yoga among other things. She also has watched the videos. She has been a rock of support to help me learn to deal with my depression. Most people have no clue when it comes to people’s suffering with “invisible” challenges. I have also read that for most people with depression two of the worst things in their lives are their friends and families. They just don’t “get it.” I would guess you would understand this with your constant dealing with migraine headaches. My sister and you would get along great.
Thanks for passing along your research on self compassion.
Fletch
My apologies! The private setting was a YouTube update accident.
The short self-compassion video is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OkZy2sd2jnc
The older willpower talks have been replaced by more recent talks — eg these book talks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5BXuZL1HAg&feature=relmfu
Best,
Kelly
Thank you Kelly
I’ve already watched both videos the one in the book store and the one at Google. Self compassion is still difficult for me, but your videos have helped me significantly. In the last 6 months I’ve been diagnosed with panic attacks. You mention some of your short interventions apply to anxiety and I hope to learn more in how to apply them in that context.
Fletch
Eating vegan increases willpower? This is the only intervention that you mentioned where I can’t find studies and published data. Can you please provide links, book recommendations, or videos that show how eating vegan increases willpower. I am vegan and I know this is true but it would be nice to have some citations and data when sharing with others. Thank you so much
The studies are related to the physiology of willpower (e.g. improved blood sugar control, increased heart rate variability, better stress resilience), not behavioral measures of willpower — that’s why it would be hard to find.
Here are a few studies linking a plant-based diet to such outcomes, to get you started:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18666713
http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149%2805%2901827-8/abstract
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/29/8/1777
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v59/n2/abs/1602076a.html
There are lots more — but this gives you a sense of the findings.
Best,
Kelly
Thanks Kelly, those are helpful links. May I suggest an idea for a future book or article: “The Willpower Diet.” Both you and Baumeister mention the role of diet but as a lay person reading your book it was vague when it comes to applying it when I choose how to eat. I suspect such a book would be similar to Esselstyn, Barnard, or McDougall’s material but it still has such enormous potential if it was tailored to the willpower hungry audience. Eating plant based has transformed my life for the better and I want to see others enjoy these benefits also. You have the experience and platform to get it done. thanks again
Hi Kelly. I created a mind map of your book. Maybe it can be useful to other readers too, who want to remind themselves about what they have read (repetition is good): http://www.kuzmenko.net/book-maps/the-willpower-instinct-kelly-macgonigal/
Thanks Andrey! This will work great for my second time through Kelly’s material:-)
I borrowed The Willpower Instinct from the library and read it over the summer and am so impressed that I’m buying a copy so I can refer to it on an ongoing basis. (Friends who were visiting at the time are also buying a copy for themselves!)
Anyway, one of the issues that you covered extensively was the idea of an internal willpower resource (though I admit to being a little vague on the details all these weeks later).
Psychologist Robert Kurzban has written and blogged about the topic, and I thought you might be interested in his latest article:
http://www.epjournal.net/blog/2012/10/can-we-stick-a-fork-in-the-glucose-as-willpower-fuel-model/
If you have a few moments, I’m interested to know your thoughts on the paper he cites and his own views of the subject.
I really admire Kurzban’s work and was amazed when nobody paid much attention to his first paper challenging the glucose model. To my read, it pretty much presented evidence for scientific fraud, not just scientific silliness.
I still think the glucose research is interesting and that the central governor and stingy brain theories are relevant. If I were rewriting my book now, I would emphasize Baumeister et al. even less and some of these more complex theories (which I think account for Kurzban’s criticisms) more.
Best,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
I am a mental health therapist from Northern Alberta, Canada. I’m primarily using third-wave behavioral treatments (i.e. ACT, CFT) and contemplative practices with my clients. I was wondering, given some of the information in your fabulous book, if anyone has looked at the willpower effects of practicing Metta or Tonglen for one’s “future self?” Ever since I read about the propensity to load up our future selves with willpower challenges we aren’t ready to face, I’ve been thinking about targeting my future self with compassion meditaiton. Since it’s often easier to practice compassion for strangers, I thought that the tendency to view my future self as a stranger might actually help facilitate the meditation. Thoughts?
I kind of love this idea — though I want to think about it more. We want to feel close to and connected to our future self, and yet, you’re right that compassion is easier for another person. I think metta or tonglen for future self might be an interesting way to cultivate both future self connection and present self compassion.
I don’t know of any direct research on this.
Thank you for sharing this idea. Your work sounds wonderful.
Best,
Kelly
Hi Kelly, I attended your alumni classes without quizzes lecture a couple weeks ago. I introduced myself as an obgyn as well as a parent who has a stressed out Stanford ME grad student son in need of your yoga classes.
I enjoyed your presentation and was excited about the prospect of incorporating your work into my medical practice. You suggested I order your book which I did since the Bookstore sold out : ) , but it has not yet arrived. You mentioned that the references might contain material helpful to putting these principles into practice at the office. I remain interested to know if any ” curricula” have been developed incorporating these principles. It occurs to me I should also check with the Stanford Center for Compassion. Anyhow, any leads on incorporating your work into office practice would be appreciated.
Thanks again,
Gina Nelson ’83
gsnelson@cyberport.net
Hey Kelly!
I have your book and audio book. My wife and i listened to half of the audio book on our drive from Mt. Shasta to vacation in Santa Barbara. It was instrumental in some major shifts for both of us. Great material.
I also have been listening to the Sounds True compassion series and have had you cued up since your interview and i finally got to it last night. Wow! As much as i liked listening to the guy on the audio book i found myself wishing you had read your book. The energy and intelligence coming through you in real time blew me away. I guess the little bit of male chauvinistic in me didn’t expect to get what i got from you in that interview…and at the same time i loved being surprised like i did as it forced me to look at my own beliefs and go inductive in my thinking.
Your values and beliefs on your personal relationship i think showed a level of maturity beyond what Dr. Rick was trying to get you to answer. I felt like he wanted you to help him justify a level (with his examples) that you had already transcended and were responding from where you were. Not sure he got it. And i do think you hooked him when you said what you were about to say might upset him. He did seem to bring it up a bunch after that..LOL.
What i really liked was the “How” that you were doing in real time. As Rick asked you questions i loved how you accessed your own will power and chose the parts of the brain that got you to answer in an inductive way from the Pre-frontal cortex…You brilliantly modeled what you had just taught.
For the last 10 years i have been studying people who are or claim to be “Enlightened” or “Awake”….and i must say that the way you answered the questions and taught in the interview sounded very similar to how they express from the “Observer” “watcher” Position. In a inductive and abstract way but very understandable from the higher parts of the brain. It was as good as anyone i have listened to or watched. Not just from your output of the energy and information ( and your processing speed )…but from your empathetic listening and taking it all in. Very cool to watch and experience.
Some of the old esoteric books on enlightenment said exercise of willpower was a method of getting there…i wonder if you have experienced this directly:-)
Lastly…i watched a bit of your sister Jane today on Games. It is really obvious to me that your parents did something really right with the both of you. I would love to hear you speak about this. I have a 4 year old daughter who is tracking at a 6 year old level and i would love to see her model you two.
Thanks so much!
Mark J. Ryan
PS i would be honored to interview you some time. I have a small list of 14,000 but i am sure it could sell a few books and help get your work out to more people:-)
Aloha Kelly, Love all the work that you do. I’m currently writing a (non-conventional) book about transitioning to a plant based diet and I am including a chapter on self-compassion. I can’t find any reference to the study you site on your audio series under “Putting Yourself in a Prison” discussing how self-criticism activates two main areas of the brain, self-inhibition and punishment. Can you please send me a reference for that study, that would be very helpful. Thank you so much! Come and visit us in Hawaii any time
Hi Laura,
Check out:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811909009987
Longe, Olivia, et al. “Having a word with yourself: Neural correlates of self-criticism and self-reassurance.” Neuroimage 49.2 (2010): 1849-1856.
Best,
Kelly
Something incredible happened for me during the “Opening Your Heart to Change” meditation. I am fairly new to meditation and have had mixed experiences. However, today, for the first time I was able to see my heart as light and feel space around my heart. Previously, anytime I have tried to envision my heart it has been black, pretty damn scary! So grateful that through your meditation I was able to connect with my heart in a healthier, hopeful way. Deeply grateful.
Hello, I’ve really appreciated “the Neuroscience of Change” that I heard on Audible. Do you have this speech available in written form?
Also I’ve heard that there was a certain minimum time frame that researchers identified that one could pause and reflect before making a decision that could optimize the possibility of making a conscious choice. Are you aware of this small amount of time or research that would reflect this study?
Thank you so much!
Basya Gutmann
Dear Kelly, Currently reading Willpower instinct and wanted to share a though on Chapter 5 re: anticipation or promise of happiness. I was really perplexed about this and came to my own conclusion that, personally my “true happiness” comes from accomplishments big or small. It provides a contentment that lasts. On the other hand indulgences are great occasionally as a treat but I think we get into trouble when we try to use them to provide authentic happiness. Cleaning my house or weeding my yard does it every time.
Love your book – so impressed !!!
Michelle Langley British Columbia Canada
Hello Kelly — I am a yoga teacher about to begin a 12-week chair course for seniors twice a week. Can you recommend a particular survey or questionaire for measuring their progress? My desire is to make a contribution by presenting evidence supporting yoga as therapy, but I want to make sure all the bases are covered before we begin. Thanks for any help you can offer. Mary Kane
Check out the various measures on this page — it depends what outcomes you are interested in.
http://kellymcgonigal.com/2011/05/07/resources-for-diy-research/
There is a link to measures specifically related to aging.
So glad to hear about your work!
Best,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
When one is practicing mindfulness, especially when related to a targeted behavior, is she drawing on the same brain resources, so to speak, as when she is exercising “willpower” to interrupt (stop/start/redirect) a behavior? Something is qualitatively different about the two approaches to me, yet I think they both draw on attention/focus, so…? I appreciate whatever you can offer here.
Yes, although interestingly mindfulness meditation is the only “willpower workout” I’ve ever seen scientifically demonstrated to restore, not deplete, willpower. So you’re right that something is qualitatively different.
I think it has something to do with the shift in experience we have of the “self” — related to the meditation research/work of Norm Farb at the U of Toronto.
Do you have other thoughts/insights from your own experience?
Best,
Kelly
Thank you for the response and reference. After considering your comment about the “shift in experience we have of the ‘self’,” I am aware that exercising willpower or self-discipline evokes a kind of judgment of self–self needing governing. Mindfulness for me is lighter, a place of curiosity. Using willpower to pass up the second glass of wine leaves me feeling torn in two, with “one” of me being not too admirable. Stepping into mindfulness when I feel the urge to pour another glass feels more compassionate, and brings inquiry, not judgement. So I see how both draw on attention, but with such different intentions. So then my question becomes about how intention affects attention resources. I will look up Farb’s work. Thank you.
Hi, Kelly
Your book, “The willpower instict” (Japanese version)really inspired me and I watched several youtubes video too! I am planing to take the online course too.
According to your facebook, it seems like you were in Japan recently if I am not wrong.
Are you planning to have an event or seminar in Japan in the future?
In that case, would you let us know on facebook or your homepage?
I hope I will not miss the info. I really have a desire to be intelligent, beautiful and supportive person like you by using my will power and I am looking forward to have a chance to attend any event that you will be present.
Thank you for teaching us many helpful things!
Thank you Saki!
I was in Japan a couple of weeks ago, and I enjoyed it so much! I am looking forward to returning, possibly in the Sept-Nov 2013 time window. I hope to be able to spend more time exploring the country, as my last trip was almost entirely confined to press interviews in the hotel room.
Best,
Kelly
Hi, Kelly
Many thank you for your reply!
I will keep checking on twitter and facebook etc. Hope you will have a good and fun relaxing time in Japan next time!
Excited to see you here this fall!
Saki
Hi Kelly,
I thought you may be interested in this BBC article about how language shapes our attitude to finance – because it affects our sense of our ‘future self’.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21518574
This directly supports one of your core ideas in the Willpower Instinct.
Mark
Kelly, your material ,sense of humor,and presentation style are really suited for a program on PBS. You have so much to offer, PBS could really expand your outreach. You really present sophisticated material with such clarity, humor and compassion. You have made it understandable, please make it more accessible. Spread you good news – Go PBS!! Thanks for your hard work, study and dedication.
I wish! I’ll let you know when PBS calls!
Hi Dr. McGonigal,
I am in your Stanford class, and have a question we didn’t have time for in class, which is staying forefront in my mind. Thinking about the ‘What the hell’ effect as well as Terror Management as an affirmation of self anti-compassion in line with the moraliztion of goals/behaviors. Example: I am going to drive more reckless because I am really the ‘bad’ person who practices this behavior (and deserves the negative outcome). Love to hear your thoughts.
Hello Kelly-
Just watched your excellent interview with Rick Hanson (author of Buddha’s Brain”) on Sounds True’s Compassionate Brain series. I really liked how you wove together the cognitive, emotional, and physiological connections between self-control, pain, compassion, and assertiveness in some exciting and new ways. I completely agree with you that the more we can look at the whole picture with an open heart, the more we can find space to connect with ourselves and others out of caring and confidence in two qualities that we all have the capacity to develop: open-heartedness and inner strength. Keep up the great work–many will benefit from it!