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QUOTATION
“Subordinating an impulse to a value is the the fundamental dynamic of choosing to do the right thing, and it is made possible by willpower.” Stephen Covey
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INTERPRETATION
“Stephen Covey’s quote emphasizes the important role that willpower plays in making ethical and moral choices. It suggests that choosing to do the right thing often involves resisting an impulse or temptation in favor of a higher value or principle.
For example, a person may feel the impulse to cheat on a test, but choose not to because they value honesty and integrity. Similarly, someone may feel the impulse to engage in gossip or negative talk about others, but choose not to because they value kindness and respect.
In both cases, willpower is what enables the person to resist the impulse and act in accordance with their values. Without willpower, we may find ourselves acting on our impulses without considering the consequences or the impact on others.
Ultimately, Covey’s quote suggests that willpower is essential for living a values-driven life and making choices that align with our deepest beliefs and principles.” (pi ai)
A few more ideas:
“Willpower plays a crucial role in living a values-driven life in several ways:
- Values alignment: Willpower enables us to act in accordance with our values, even when faced with competing impulses or desires.
- Self-control: Willpower allows us to exercise self-control, which is essential for resisting temptations and distractions that may pull us away from our goals and values.
- Long-term focus: By exercising willpower, we can focus on our long-term goals and values, rather than getting caught up in short-term pleasures or rewards.
- Resilience: Willpower can help us stay resilient in the face of setbacks or challenges, allowing us to continue pursuing our values even when things get difficult.
- Consistency: Willpower enables us to be consistent in our actions and behaviors, ensuring that our values are reflected not just in our words, but also in our actions.
Ultimately, willpower is a key component of living a values-driven life, as it allows us to align our actions with our deepest beliefs and principles, even in the face of competing desires or external pressures.” (pi ai)
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