HN Books @HNBooksMonth

"You just need discipline" is a common phrase, which usually masks the root problem. Why does something need continuous effort? Is it the best place to put our energies? Are there any other ways of solving the problem?

See "Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength" (https://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Huma...) on willpower as a resource that can be drained, often pointlessly. Having a constant temptation is one of the core cases (e.g. candies on your sight).

Instead of helping us, a flawed tool forces us to work against the current. For the Sauron's ring, this constant test of the hobbit's strength of will was unavoidable. For Slack... it is much easier to throw it into a volcano.

The most accurate answer in the thread, though too brief and thus will be easily dismissed. In the interest of fleshing out this answer in such a way as to make it useful:

For those interested in why this is the most accurate answer, go read "Willpower" by Baumeister.

http://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human...

I am always surprised, though shouldn't be I suppose, that the first answer for so many people is some completely externalized solution (e.g. blockers, network disconnection, etc.).

There are tools that can help you to create habits, but you must be aware of the role that self-regulation plays in ongoing maintenance of these habits, otherwise the moment the tools or support infrastructures you've put in place are gone, your habits will revert.

Don't make your self control reliant on app updates.

"Willpower" (http://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human...) calls what you're describing "precommitment", and claims it does work consistently well.

Willpower requires an expenditure of glucose in the brain [1]. When one is used to a high-sugar diet, the blood sugar burns off quickly, despite being slowed by insulin response, and the body craves more, with the brain being glucose-depleted to resist the impulse. This is not to absolve anyone of personal responsibility, but like gambling, it is a losing proposition over time.

The fact is, we're all wired a little differently. Some who drink too much can simple moderate; some find the need to temporarily or permanently quit drinking altogether. Anyone trapped in the "metabolic syndrome" of a sugary diet will probably be more successful doing the latter.

[1] http://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human...

I really liked Succeed by Halvorson, as well as Willpower by Baumeister and Tierney. The former covers research on setting goals, the latter covers research on being more disciplined. Both book are a great blend of interesting studies and practical advice.

Amazon links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0452297710 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143122231

Thorough book notes: http://www.quora.com/Leo-Polovets/Exceptionally-long-book-no... and http://www.quora.com/Leo-Polovets/Exceptionally-long-book-no...