If you need an extra burst of willpower – try this...

If you had a willpower button – would you use it?

According to a recent study, we do! Before you reach for that donut or buy those shoes you don’t really need – make a fist. Make it tight and hold it until it’s really uncomfortable. The secret willpower is actually in the discomfort – and flexing any muscle will do. Participants in the study were told to tighten their muscles - hands, biceps or calves, as they faced a challenge to resist temptation. The clenchers demonstrated more self-control than those who were relaxed.

Most of us naturally clench our muscles when we’re exerting our willpower. If you want to use the trick strategically – you’ll need to flex at just the right moment. The study found that clenching before the temptation arrived was counter-productive. Not only did it not help the clencher, it left them a little weaker and more vulnerable.