In this episode, I discuss neuroscience and psychology studies that address the basis of willpower and tenacity, how they differ from motivation and how we can all increase our levels of willpower and tenacity. I discuss whether willpower is a limited resource, the controversial “ego depletion” theory of willpower and the role that beliefs play in determining our tenacity and willpower. Then, I discuss the neural basis of willpower in the brain and body and how tenacity and willpower relate to sleep, stress, focus, and possibly lifespan. Then, I provide a series of science-supported tools and protocols to increase your level of tenacity and willpower.For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://drinkag1.com/hubermanLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlabWaking Up: https://wakingup.com/hubermanMomentous: https://livemomentous.com/hubermanTimestamps

Tenacity & Willpower

Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up

Tenacity & Willpower vs. Habit Execution; Apathy, Depression & Motivation

Ego Depletion & Willpower as a Limited Resource; Controversy

Tool: Autonomic Function, Tenacity & Willpower; Sleep & Stress

Sponsor: AG1

Willpower as a Limited Resource (Theory)

Willpower & Glucose, Brain Energetics

Beliefs about Willpower & Glucose; Multiple Challenges

Willpower Brain ‘Hub’; Anorexia Nervosa, Super-Agers

Anterior Midcingulate Cortex & Brain/Body Communication

Allostasis, Anterior Midcingulate Cortex Function

Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (aMCC), Difficult Tasks & Neuroplasticity

Tool: Novel Physical Exercise & Brain; Cognitive Exercise

Tool: “Micro-sucks”, Increase Tenacity/Willpower

Impossible Tasks, Super-Agers & Learning, Will to Live

Tool: Rewards & Improving Tenacity/Willpower

Tenacity & Willpower Recap