The people you lead need role models for how to fight the hourly temptations that bring temporary pleasure followed by immediate regret. The quality of their work and life depends on their ability to win most of those battles.

Will you be the one to show them how to do it today?

"We may all have been born with the capacity for willpower, but some of us use it more than others. People who have better control of their attention, emotions, and actions are better off almost any way you look at it. They are happier and healthier. Their relationships are more satisfying and last longer. They make more money and go further in their careers. They are better able to manage stress, deal with conflict, and overcome adversity. They even live longer.

Self-control is a better predictor of academic success than intelligence, a strong determinant of effective leadership than charisma and more important for marital bliss than empathy. If we want to improve our lives, willpower is not a bad place to start."

~ Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. from Willpower Instinct ~

If you want to inspire and influence others to develop more willpower and self-control, you'll have to do it with your actions...not your words. Taking this self-control assessment each month is a good way to raise your awareness of where you need to control your impulses.

Please reflect on these 20 statements and indicate how often you did the following over the last 4 weeks. Each month you can set a goal to lower your numbers.

After reflecting on your answers to these 20 statements, pick one area where you want to "train your brain" on how to demonstrate more self-control over the next 4 weeks. The more you win your daily battles with temptation, the stronger you'll get and you'll inspire the people you lead to follow your example.

While self-control is not all people need to live their best life, no one can maximize their health and happiness without it.

It's also important for leaders to know the difference between a person struggling with a problem that can be solved with willpower and someone who is addicted to something.

Addiction is a brain disease that requires someone to acknowledge they are powerless over their addiction and admit that willpower is not enough to solve their problem. These people need to be encouraged to get professional help.