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Willpower, by Merriam-Webster’s definition, is the ability to control oneself, a strong determination that allows you to do something difficult.

It’s a word I hear tossed about often, dripping with saccharine sweetness, like the dark chocolate or scrumptious Twin Bing bars I know I should avoid.

“I’d like to stop ...,” fill in the blank with whatever vice ails you ... “but I just don’t have the willpower.”

I get it. I really do. I’d like to reduce my craving for sweets, quit wasting time watching TikTok, stop being neurotic, give up wine ... It’s. Just. So. Hard.

Or is it?

Roy Baumeister and J...