The secrets of self-control.

Are you good at saving money? What about eating healthy food? Do you think you’re a disciplined person? Do you have strong willpower? When was the last time you gave in to temptation? Is having willpower important in life? Why? Why not?

Imagine this.

There’s an apple and a piece of cake on a table. Which one would you like? The delicious cake or the healthy apple? A new bestseller by Roy Baumeister and John Tierney, Willpower: Rediscovering Our Greatest Strength, claims that having strong willpower is essential to a successful life.

1 Pre-reading How strong is your willpower (check glossary for definition)? What would you rather have/do?

Go to the gym or watch a film.

Eat a hamburger or an apple.

Drink some water or a fizzy drink.

Have a beer / a glass of wine or have some orange juice.

Eat some cake or a banana.

Go out with your friends or stay at home and study. Have a pizza or a salad.