Is Willpower Genetic?

There have been reports of late that suggest that willpower is genetic. That something in a person's DNA factors into his/her personal resolve.

I have not seen any persuasive evidence to make this case. What I do believe, however, is that some people are programmed to connect action (or inaction) with consequence.

When staring at a donut, some people can 'see' or 'feel' a little bulge on their stomach. These people put down the donut. Others only anticipate the taste of the donut and have no interest in consequences.

How or why some people connect X to Y, I have no idea. But I do know that people can program themselves to visualize the connection between action and result.

Start with the premise that every action has an opposite and equal reaction. Now as you go to eat that donut (metaphorically speaking), connect the dots – what is the opposite and equal reaction to your chomping down that jelly roll?

It's one thing to make resolutions. It's quite another to keep them. How will you stick to your goals for 2011?