Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • 2021
  • Comment
  • Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Willpower Is a Form of, but Not Synonymous with, Self-control

By: Ariella S. Kristal and Julian Zlatev
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

We build on Ainslie's discussion of willpower by highlighting another common misconception in the literature: the conflation of self-control and willpower. In our commentary, we identify this issue and discuss the importance of recognizing willpower not as synonymous with self-control, but rather as a subset of self-control. We describe a set of upstream strategies as more effective alternatives to willpower.

Keywords

Self-control; Willpower; Personal Characteristics

Citation

Kristal, Ariella S., and Julian Zlatev. "Willpower Is a Form of, but Not Synonymous with, Self-control." Behavioral and Brain Sciences 44 (2021): E44.
  • Find it at Harvard
  • Purchase

About The Author

Julian J. Zlatev

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • March 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Río Curicó Teaching Note: Video Short I

    By: Kathleen L. McGinn and Julian Zlatev
    • February 2023
    • Faculty Research

    SIMmersion: Simulating Crucial Conversations

    By: Alison Wood Brooks and Julian Zlatev
    • 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Sending Signals: Strategic Displays of Warmth and Competence

    By: Bushra S. Guenoun and Julian J. Zlatev
More from the Authors
  • Río Curicó Teaching Note: Video Short I By: Kathleen L. McGinn and Julian Zlatev
  • SIMmersion: Simulating Crucial Conversations By: Alison Wood Brooks and Julian Zlatev
  • Sending Signals: Strategic Displays of Warmth and Competence By: Bushra S. Guenoun and Julian J. Zlatev
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College