Author: Al Willwright

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  • The Act of Will vs DMAIC

    The Act of Will vs DMAIC

    This article is part of a series comparing business frameworks with the act of will. Introduction The stages of the act of will, as outlined by Roberto Assagioli, can be compared to the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework used in Lean Six Sigma. Both of these methodologies involve a process-oriented approach to achieving…

  • Time Management for Enhanced Well-Being

    In our ever-accelerating world, the mastery of time management is not just a skill but a necessity. Often misconstrued as merely a productivity enhancer, recent studies reveal its profound impact on personal well-being. Intriguingly, the essence of time management resonates deeply with the principles of the act of will, as outlined in psychosynthesis. This article…

  • Chess as a Tool for Personal Growth

    Chess serves as an excellent framework for understanding the stages and qualities of the will. Learning and playing chess is a good way of experiencing the process of willing – from setting goals and making decisions to the execution of a carefully crafted strategy. Each phase of a chess game illustrates key aspects of the…

  • The Stoic Resilience of James Stockdale

    Vice Admiral James Stockdale’s remarkable story unfolds during his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Renowned for his unwavering courage and adherence to Stoic philosophy, Stockdale’s narrative is a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. His experience exemplifies how philosophical principles can guide and…

  • Conan: Thirst for life

    The story of Conan, a Ukrainian special operations soldier who fell overboard during a mission in the Black Sea, the harrowing tale of survival. He spent 14 hours alone, demonstrating exceptional mental and physical resilience in his fight for survival under extreme conditions. Stages of the Act of Will Purpose, Aim, or Goal Conan’s initial…

  • Khokhol: The one that kept going

    The story of Khokhol, a Ukrainian reconnaissance officer, recounts the harrowing experience where he was stranded in enemy territory. Facing dire circumstances, Khokhol’s resilience and strategic thinking are put to the ultimate test. Over three days and nights, with no food or water and surrounded by danger, he must crawl to safety, demonstrating extraordinary willpower…

  • Will and Willingness – from The Gay Science

    Will and Willingness.—Some one brought a youth to a wise man, and said, “See, this is one who is being corrupted by women!” The wise man shook his head and smiled. “It is men,” he called out, “who corrupt women; and everything that women lack should be atoned for and improved in men—for man creates…

  • David Goggins: How to Build Immense Inner Strength

    This episode of Huberman Lab podcast, How to Build Immense Inner Strength, features David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL and best-selling author. It centers around how Goggins mastered his inner dialogue to develop remarkable levels of discipline, mental, and physical toughness. He shares his journey of confronting early hardships, including physical and mental abuse, learning…

  • Strength of Will: Lessons from Character Lab

    Character Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific insights that help children thrive, offers valuable perspectives on developing “strength of will.” This concept, integral to personal growth and success, is explored through various lenses on their website, including gratitude, self-control, and the overarching theme of character development. Gratitude as a Strength of Heart and…

  • How to Increase Your Willpower and Tenacity

    The Will Project, founded on the principles of psychosynthesis and proposed by Roberto Assagioli, emphasizes the importance of developing inner strength and will. Andrew Huberman’s podcast episode, “How to Increase Your Willpower & Tenacity,” explores the psychological basis of tenacity, how beliefs shape resilience, and practical tools to enhance inner strength. Huberman delves into the…