“Akrasia”

Akrasia is a term coined by the Greeks, and it refers to the phenomenon of “lacking command. It’s the force behind hitting the snooze button on your alarm or procrastinating tasks until later. Akrasia is when we struggle to do something we know we should do. It’s a fancy word for our struggle with self-control. Philosophers, like Plato, Aristotle and Socrates have debated its existence and tried to define it more precisely.

Akrasia is often caused by conflicting desires or lacking self-discipline. For example, some people struggle to quit smoking even though they know it’s harmful. They wonder why they can’t resist the habit they know they should quit. Sometimes we crave a delicious dessert, even though we know we should pick a healthier choice. Our impulsive desires overpower our sensible thoughts.

Even famous writers and authors struggle with akrasia. For example, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Ernest Hemingway, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Leo Tolstoy all experienced akratic tendencies in their writing careers. They faced challenges like procrastination, perfectionism, writer’s block and distractions. However, they managed to overcome these obstacles and produce timeless literary works. Their stories remind us that even accomplished individuals can face internal conflicts, but with determination and commitment, they can conquer akrasia and create remarkable work.

Aristotle introduced the concept of enkrateia, which is the opposite of akrasia. It means being in control of oneself and having power over our actions and decisions. In his book “Atomic Habits,” author James Clear talks about akrasia and gives an example involving Victor Hugo. To overcome Akrasia, Hugo locked away his clothes to focus on writing, which is called a “commitment device. It’s a way to control future actions by making a choice in the present. For example, buying individual food packages instead of bulk sizes can help control overeating. Some people add themselves to banned lists at casinos to avoid impulsive gambling. Athletes preparing for competitions may leave their wallets at home to resist the temptation of buying fast food. Commitment devices help us stick to good habits and avoid bad ones.

Akrasia can be overcome by following certain steps:

Set clear goals and break them into smaller tasks.

Create a supportive environment by removing distractions.

Resist impulsive desires.

Practice self-discipline and develop habits that align with your goals.

By taking these actions, you can overcome akrasia and make progress towards your goal.